THE Liberal and Labor parties have been told it would be absurd for them to direct preferences to the Greens in the federal election because it would be sending children the message it was acceptable to use drugs. In an attempt to gain crucial support for his party at the next election, expected in October or November, Family First's only federal representative, Steve Fielding, has warned the major parties against any association with the Greens. In response to Greens leader Bob Brown's call for Labor preferences, Senator Fielding said the Greens were pushing dangerous views on drugs and had no sensible policies on families or small business. [continues 342 words]