Anderton just says NO

Drug laws will not be eased as the Green Party wishes while Jim Anderton is the Minister responsible for drug policy.

The Progressive leader says his party is anti-drugs and as Minister a far-reaching policy is being implemented dealing with demand, supply and treatment.

“I am excited about the anti-drugs progress this coalition government is making.

“For example today I am running a public forum on methamphetamine (P), alcohol and other drugs in South Auckland with community youth alcohol and drug programme providers (CAYADs). CAYADs are proving to be a successful ground-up way of dealing with drugs.

“The Green Party’s focus on tinkering with regulations is misguided. The issue is not fairness between different substances. The issues are reducing demand for drugs in the community, restricting supply and ensuring substance dependent individuals have access to treatment.

“While the Greens’ drug policy twice mentions ‘treatment’ in headlines, it is almost totally bereft of specifics -- other than telling off the police, which is hardly a treatment measure.

“Yesterday the Green Party bitterly attacked chocolate bar makers. How can you be anti-chocolate and pro-cannabis? It's all the evidence anyone could need of the mind-addling effects of drugs.”

Jim Anderton says the Greens’ drug policy is a recipe for social exploitation of some of the most vulnerable New Zealanders.

“A financially secure middle aged Green MP may well handle his drugs. But my concern is with young people who do not have the same choices and with communities experiencing the devastating effects of abuse” Jim Anderton said.

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