War Against Drug “Failed”

Despite campaigns against illegal drugs, a group of Australians consider the war a failure. The group said the illegal drugs continue to proliferate and, in the process, affect the youth. 

The group is composed of Foreign Affairs Minister Bob Carr, former police chief Mick Palmer, former West Australian premier Geoff Gallop, former director of NSW public prosecutions Nicholas Cowdery, former Defense secretary Paul Barrat, among others. 

Carr said that the war on drugs has been the biggest challenge on enforcement agencies in decades. He has been heavily involved in the campaign even before he was named Foreign Affairs Minister. 

In the report, Carr expressed his doubt whether pursuing marijuana users has been a good move for police authorities. He said that the police preferred to inspect railway stations instead of ensuring that all public transportation remains safe and that Cabramatta is cleaned up. 

Think tank Australia 21 released the report after organizing a roundtable discussion at Sydney University early this year. The report called for a reevaluation of policies on drug, saying the country needs a tougher approach. 

Nicholas Cowdery, former NSW director of public prosecutions, said the prevalence of illegal drugs poses serious social and health issues. He added that this is also a source of government corruption. Cowdery is a long-time advocate of drug reform and favors the legalization, regulation, control and taxation of all drugs. 

Attorney-General Nicola Roxon, however, expressed her skepticism over proposed deregulation of laws. She added that extreme caution must be exercised in this issue.

Tagged Australia 21, Bob Carr, drugs, Nicholas Cowdery