[Greens-Media] Greens look to next step on petrol sniffing

[Twomey, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

MEDIA RELEASE
Senator Rachel Siewert
Australian Greens Senator for WA

Tuesday evening, 16 August 2005

Greens look to next step on petrol sniffing

The Greens welcomed the backing by the Senate today of their urgency
motion calling for the comprehensive roll-out of BP's vapourless 'Opal'
petrol across the central Desert region.

Senator Rachel Siewert called on the Government to move quickly to act
on this decision, so the nation could begin the wider task of addressing
Indigenous disadvantage.

"Senators from both sides of the House spoke at length today on the
tragedy and deprivation they had seen first-hand in the Central Dessert"
said Senator Siewert, the Greens spokesperson on Indigenous Affairs
"They were united in agreement that removing access to sniffable fuel
alone would not solve the deeper causes of this chronic self abuse,
arguing that we needed to do more"

"I agree," she said, "Lets get on with it"

In her address to the Senate today Senator Siewert endorsed the
following steps:

- Strategies to address petrol sniffing should not be conducted in
isolation from treating broader substance abuse, as petrol sniffing is
often part of a pattern of drug use that also includes alcohol and
cannabis.

- The current Youth Link-Up Program (CAYLUS) should continue to be
funded, as this program has demonstrated some success, and is well
placed to reduce the high levels of petrol sniffing in the Central
Northern Territory.

- Funding should be made available for communities to implement a range
of complementary interventions as considered appropriate by each
community.

- Fuel companies should be encouraged to support these initiatives, and
should benefit from community support for this demonstration of
corporate responsibility. 
		
For more information or comment call 0407 725 025

Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au  |  http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au



> Chris Twomey
> Personal Advisor
> Senator Rachel Siewert
Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia
> WA office: 08 9228 3277 Canberra: 02 6277 3587
> mobile: 0407 725 025
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