Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Philip Davis

Greens To Encourage Drug Use In Prisons

The Greens want to encourage ongoing illicit drug use by criminals, by providing needle and syringe exchange programs in prisons.

By Phillip Davis - 6th September 2006 - Back to News

Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Philip Davis today slammed The Greens policy on needle and syringe exchanges in Victorian prisons, saying the policy would send the wrong message to prisoners.

"The Liberal Party believes in zero tolerance when it comes to drug use in the prison system," Mr Davis said.

"Drugs are not allowed in prisons, however the current Government does not enforce this regime tightly enough.

"The Greens’ policy of needle and syringe exchanges advocates the relaxing of supervision when it comes to drugs in prisons."

"About 70% of those in the prison system are there because of drug offences or other offences such as thefts and burglaries to support drug habits.

"Prisoners simply should not be using drugs while in prison.

"Needles and syringes behind the prison walls should be for medical purposes only."

Mr Davis said it would be hypocritical for prison authorities to continue drug searches and run abatement programs while at the same time establishing a needle and syringe exchange program.

"Needle and syringe exchange programs in prisons will show criminals that prison authorities are not serious about policing drug use," he said.

"It will send the message that Government does not mind if drugs are brought into prison and it is ok to use them.

"The Liberal Party would prefer to see any resources invested in needle and syringe exchange programs used instead to upgrade security and screening procedures for drug detection to stop the drugs coming into Victorian prisons in the first place.

"If prisoners do not deal with their drug addiction while in the prison system, they will inevitably re-offend after release to support the drug addiction.

"We will simply continue this ‘revolving door’ situation where former prisoners end up back in prison soon after release.

"Needle and syringe exchange programs would give prisoners the green light to use drugs while in prison and no responsible Government could support this policy."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to use free blind safety kits to prevent tragic child accidents
  Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien urges residents to order free Consumer Affairs Victoria blind safety kits, warning unsecured curtain cords are a hazard and simple fixes can prevent child deaths.
• Labor provides rebates and programs to help regional households switch from costly gas to cheaper electric appliances
  The Allan Labor government is supporting 1,183 regional households impacted by Solstice's gas network closure with rebates, discounts, and programs to help them transition to cheaper, energy-efficient electric appliances.
• Wellington libraries upgrade with RFID technology, enabling faster borrowing and improved user experiences across all branches over six months
  Wellington libraries are upgrading with RFID technology, introducing self-loan stations, automated return chutes, and smart bins, improving borrowing efficiency, reducing manual handling, and allowing staff to focus on programs and services.
• Melina Bath condemns Labor for blocking protest bill and failing to protect police, businesses, and public safety
  Labor, backed by the Greens and minor parties, blocked Nationals and Liberals legislation to ban protest face coverings, which Melina Bath said betrayed police, small businesses, and public safety across Victoria.
• East Gippsland Water offers free emergency water tokens to bushfire-affected residents, ensuring essential household supply
  East Gippsland Water is providing free emergency water tokens to bushfire-affected residents, ensuring safe household water for drinking, hygiene, and essential use, with collection available across multiple regional standpipe locations.
• Tim Bull says locals and community groups want stronger enforcement as illegal campers leave areas unkempt
  Tim Bull urges Environment Minister Dimopoulos to act on illegal campers along the Snowy River, balancing public access for tourists with enforcement and welfare oversight to protect local businesses.
• East Gippsland Council defers Planning Scheme Amendment, seeks comprehensive review of Rural Land Use Strategy
  East Gippsland Council has deferred Planning Scheme Amendment C170egips, requesting a detailed review of the Rural Land Use Strategy to ensure future agricultural planning meets community needs.
• Danny O’Brien criticises ongoing social housing maintenance delays leaving vulnerable Gippslanders waiting far too long
  Danny O’Brien warns ongoing delays in social housing maintenance leave vulnerable Gippslanders waiting months, highlighting a vacant Foster property and urging timely repairs and better decision-making to address shortages.
• Martin Cameron questions Labor government for denying regional crime crisis and the ongoing failures of 'Bail Laws'
  The Nationals' Martin Cameron has accused the Allan Labor government of failing Victorians with weak bail laws, after repeat offenders continue to walk free and regional crime remains out of control.