Inside Story - March 1999

Drugs in SA

SA has an estimated 15,000 heroin users.
Each year about 60 South Australians die from illicit drug use.
Illicit drugs touch the lives of many more South Australians including families and victims of crime.

A community drugs forum held in Adelaide this month has brought home to South Australia the reality of one of society’s silent but deadly problems – illicit drugs.

The March forum, organised by the Australian Democrats, was the first public meeting to bring together addicts, their families, concerned citizens and experts seeking to tackle the problem.

It was the first time some of those touched by drugs had spoken publicly about the deadly habit.

State Democrats Leader Mike Elliott says the successful forum, which attracted a full house at the western suburban Camden Community Centre, reflects local concern about the drug issue.

Mr Elliott, who undertook a study tour of Swiss and Dutch drug programs late last year, is seeking drug law reforms for SA.

He is planning further community forums to explore the issue.

PARLIAMENT TO LOOK AT HEROIN TRIALS: See page 6 for details.

More news on Drug Law Reform

Industrial chaos?

The State Government has threatened industrial chaos by proposing radical changes to SA’s labour laws.
The draconian Industrial Relations Bill endangers the balance between worker and employer rights.
The Australian Democrats say any change must seek balanced and fair amendments which are owned and accepted by all sides of the industrial debate.

More news on Industrial Relations

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Birth of a new Nurses Bill	2
Protections lost for children in court	2
Belair National Park under threat	3
Paintball or peace?	3
Saving our public spaces	4
Closing Wingfield dump	5
Jurors Silenced	5
Native Title changes on hold	6