Pubdate: Mon, 27 Aug 2001 Source: West Australian (Australia) Copyright: 2001 West Australian Newspapers Limited Contact: http://www.thewest.com.au Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/495 Author: Philip Achurch COSTLY DRUG WISH LIST PUBLIC participation is essential on important matters such as illicit drug use but while the Drug Summit has highlighted the illicit drug scourge, its recommendations seem to have produced little that was not already known or publicly available. It is unfortunate that many of the 45 recommendations and numerous part-recommendations read like a wish list that has been drawn up for presentation to some utopian organisation which has an open cheque book linked to unlimited funds. It is also unfortunate that many of the recommendations appear to have no order of priority. Given the current taxation system in Australia, it is impossible for the State Government (that is, taxpayers) to fund many of the extra services outlined in many of the recommendations. It is doubtful that the WA taxpayers' kitty is in any position to fund the 13.5 per cent wage claim for salaried hospital staff. The Drug Summit recommendations are going to have to go through a strict culling, costing and priority procedure. Realistic and readable strategy and action plans have to be produced unless someone with immense private wealth comes to the party or taxpayers are happy to see their taxes, charges and levies dramatically increased to pay for some very costly additional services. Because I am certain that it would be the taxpayer who would end up footing the bill for any recommendations that may be adopted, the first question that taxpayers should be asked is how much extra are they prepared to pay, if anything, and in what form. Perhaps a fund-sourcing summit should be convened. We need critical thinking and good, straightforward leadership. PHILIP ACHURCH, West Perth. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart