5 October 2004

Joe Walsh anti-drugs concert for MPs, invited guests

Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton has invited all Members of Parliament to a concert to promote an optimistic, free-of-drugs message by Joe Walsh of 'The Eagles' at Parliament tomorrow.

"I have written to Members of Parliament from all eight political parties represented to invite them to the concert. I believe that having the concert at Parliament enables us, as politicians, to show leadership in the campaign for drug-free, safer communities," the Progressive leader said.

"In my letters to my colleagues, I said that by attending the concert we can demonstrate that we stand in solidarity alongside our communities against the use of methamphetamine and other harmful substances," Jim Anderton said.

During his time as a high-profile entertainer with the 'The Eagles,' Joe Walsh developed drug and alcohol addictions, but he started the path to recovery following the friendship and support he received when in New Zealand on tour with The Herbs in the 1990s. He is taking time out of his world tour to come to our country at his own expense to help encourage other people to build a better future for themselves and their families.

"Joe Walsh is an inspiration for many people. His is a story we all want to see repeated hundreds of times over by others who find themselves with drug and alcohol addictions and looking for a positive way forward," Jim Anderton, who chairs the Ministerial Committee on Drugs, said.

Joe Walsh's visit is being arranged by Mokai Whanau Ora, one of the 15 Community Action on Youth & Drugs or CAYADs that Progressive secured funding for in the coalition government's budget process.

ENDS

© Scoop Media