Opening of new facilities at Palmerston drug research facility, Wellard

30/7/96

Health Minister Kevin Prince has called for greater community support for people battling drug addiction, at the opening of new facilities at the Palmerston Drug Research and Rehabilitation Farm at Wellard today.

Mr Prince said drug abuse was one of the biggest problems facing society, contributing to criminal behaviour, violence and family breakdown.

"Drug abuse is not something parents, or health officials or teachers or the police can manage in isolation," he said.

"It is a problem that requires a whole-of-community response, and one which is bound to escalate if we fail to tackle it effectively."

The Minister said the impact was often greatest on the innocent victims.

"It is a sad fact that the most innocent among us, the children of illicit drug users, often suffer the most," he said.

"In many instances, the separation from a parent who is undergoing drug rehabilitation can be the most difficult thing for a young child to bear."

Mr Prince congratulated the Palmerston Drug Research and Rehabilitation Association  for its initiative to provide family accommodation at its farm, as part of an upgrade at the 15-year-old facility.

"Palmerston Farm offers rehabilitation in a secure, drug-free environment through programs that foster individual responsibility to assist residents to make the changes needed to stay drug-free," he said.

Media contact: Jenny Bassett 366 0300