WA: Fight against illicit drugs in WA given $1.6m funding boost

AAP General News (Australia)
04-30-2004
WA: Fight against illicit drugs in WA given $1.6m funding boost

PERTH, April 30 AAP - The federal government has given the fight against illicit drug
use in Western Australia a boost, with grants totalling $1.6 million to be given to community
organisations.

Federal Justice Minister Chris Ellison said the grants, made under the National Illicit
Drug Strategy, were aimed at helping deliver drug treatment services to individuals, families
and communities across the state.

They would particularly help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, youth and women
with children, he said.

Community organisations receiving funding will include $200,000 to the Noongar Alcohol
and Substance Abuse Service and $200,000 to Western Australian Substance Users' Association,
an amphetamine-specific outreach service.

"This strategy combats illicit drug use by providing a sharper focus on reducing the
supply of drugs and on reducing demand," Senator Ellison said.

AAP tc/hu/de

KEYWORD: DRUGS

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