Message from the Premier

The South Australian Drugs Summit, held from 24-28 June 2002, was significant because it included people from all sides of the drugs debate and people from all sides of politics. The Summit looked at illicit drug use, with an emphasis on the evidence of increasing use of amphetamine-type drugs' including 'designer drugs'. Broader substance use issues were also considered, particularly in relation to young people and Aboriginal people. The Summit challenged our preconceptions and issued new challenges to broaden our horizons.

People attending the Summit recognised that the drugs problem is complex and that complex problems require comprehensive strategies – not quick one-off solutions. The multiple and wide ranging recommendations they made reflected this.

I am pleased to be able to present the South Australian Governments' initial response to the recommendations. This begins the formal response by the State Government to the Drugs Summit and the crucial issues raised. This document is the first step in sowing the seeds of a long-term strategy to make a real difference in tackling drugs.

Mike Rann, Premier of South Australia