[Greens-Media] Media Release - Abbott Government silences peak drug and alcohol body

[Blyberg, Andrew (Sen R. Di Natale)]

Media Release

Dr Richard Di Natale
Greens Senator for Victoria

26/11/2013

Abbott Government silences peak drug and alcohol body

Australian Greens health spokesperson, Dr Richard Di Natale, said today that the Abbott Government is defunding the Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA) in an attempt to stymie debate about illicit drug policy. 

"The Abbott Government is determined to hide evidence, sideline experts and silence advocates," said Senator Di Natale, a former drug and alcohol clinician.

Established in 1966, the ADCA is a peak body that represents the alcohol and other drugs sector and has a history of advocacy for a harm minimisation approach to illicit drugs.

"First Tony Abbott closed the Climate Commission because it wants to hide the truth about climate change. Then it refused to discuss matters relating to the welfare of refugees and asylum seekers. Now it is defunding the Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia because it wants to stifle any debate about drug law reform.

"When did it become acceptable for an Australian Government to simply silence anyone is disagrees with?

"The Coalition is breaking another election promise by making cuts to the health budget. Frighteningly, axing the ACDC could herald just the beginning of funding cuts, with the sector losing its peak body and front line of defence.

"As a former drug and alcohol clinician, I know that Tony Abbott's brutal and secretive cuts are hurting some of the most vulnerable people in our community."

Media Contact - Andrew Blyberg 0457 901 600