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Monash Memo - 15 August 2001

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Top speakers debate drug strategy

The Federal Government's 'war on drugs' strategy came under close scrutiny during the Vice-Chancellor's Debate held earlier this month.

Speakers Mr Graeme Rule (DrugArm), Mr Peter Faris QC (former National Crime Authority head) and Ms Cathy Rossouw (world debating champion) argued that the current Federal Drug Strategy should be supported.

They spoke about the need to deter people from using drugs and to institute law and order to discourage the drug trade and crack down on dealers.

Speakers Mr Peter Wearne (Youth Substance Abuse Service), Dr Jeanette Kennett (Monash Philosophy department) and Dr Nick Crofts (Centre for Harm Reduction) argued against the premise.

They highlighted scientific evidence that showed the need to take a harm minimisation approach and focus not on drugs themselves but on dealing with the psychological reasons why people take them.

About 100 people attended the debate, which was followed by questions and discussion.