Drugs and alcohol key issues for Wigram

Cashmere Hills Presbyterian Church held a public candidate meeting tonight at 7.30pm at the St Peter Parish Centre, Fisher Avenue, Beckenham. Eight candidates were represented including Jim Anderton of the Progressive Party.

Jim Anderton, MP for Wigram and Progressive Party leader, focussed on drug and alcohol issues which are hot topics in Wigram.

"To protect the vulnerable, Progressive is supporting the Working for Families package to ensure families get a substantial cash boost. But it’s not just about money. We’re also pushing to reduce the harm caused by alcohol and drug abuse.

As you know, I've led the charge in parliament against those anti-social elements in our society that would sell BZP pills to young teenagers. I sought and won support to make it illegal to sell BZP to anyone under 18.

You may have heard earlier this week about the joint police and health sting on those who would sell the potentially dangerous prescription medicine, nitrous oxide or NOS, to our vulnerable young people. I warned the NOS traders to watch out.

As long as I am the Minister in charge of the national drug policy, you can be sure that we'll prosecute these peddlers of dangerous drugs. They are preying on some of the most vulnerable in our society, young teenagers and even children.

Progressive needs your party vote so that Progressive Deputy Leader Matt Robson, is returned to parliament. Then he can progress his bill to raise the alcohol purchasing age back to twenty where it belongs. Matt has been courageous in taking on the powerful liquor industry in this country.

The Progressive Party is the only one taking practical steps on turning the tide against the harm being caused to families and communities by the misuse of alcohol and drugs.

Full speech available on the Progressive website: www.progressive.org.nz

© Scoop Media