Morrison’s approach to drugs is dangerous: Greens

Australian Greens Leader and Health spokesperson Dr Richard Di Natale today slammed Minister Morrison’s suggestion that drug use cannot be dealt with as health issue.

“Scott Morrison’s suggestion that drug use must be treated as a social toxin and a law and order issue is dangerous and ignorant,” said Senator Di Natale, a former drug and alcohol physician.

“If jail has failed as a deterrent against drug use, what would make the Minister think cutting people off income support would work?

“As someone who has worked as a drug and alcohol physician I know that the best way to reduce the harms of drugs like ice on individuals and the community is through a health approach."

Australian Greens spokesperson on welfare Senator Rachel Siewert said the government wants to paint people on income support as drug addicts.

“When the Minister says ‘it’s a drug you can see people on benefits using’, it is an attempt to demonises people on income support. The government clearly wants the community to believe that people on income support are bludgers and drug addicts in order to justify its sledge hammer approach to social policy. "

Media Contact
Di Natale – Andrew Blyberg 0457 901 600
Siewert – Nadine Walker 0449 189 195