VIC: Drug treatment program expanded = 2

AAP General News (Australia)
12-02-1998
VIC: Drug treatment program expanded = 2

Commenting on the report prominent Western suburbs youth worker Les Twentyman told AAP he
welcomed the expansion of the program, but described it as "the silver medal".

"The gold medal is jobs. The Kennett government is basically saying: We cant give you jobs
but at least we can give you drug programs," Mr Twentyman said.

"If these kids had jobs the drug problem in these areas would not be nearly as bad."

Mr Kennett was in some ways a trailblazer in his attitude to the treatment of drugs, but
the division between rich and poor was worsening in Victoria and consequently so was drug
addiction, Mr Twentyman said.

AAP pjb/gl

KEYWORD: TRIAL 2 MELBOURNE (REOPENS)

1998 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.