GOVERNMENT SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT ON PROPOSED TABLET PRESS REGULATIONS
2 October 2009
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today invited interested parties to comment on proposed regulations controlling the import of tablet presses.
“Drug abuse is a serious issue in Australia, costing the community an estimated $8 billion a year and having a major impact on drug users, their families and the broader community,” Mr O’Connor said.
“Restricting the importation of tablet presses will help law enforcement agencies combat the growing trade in the production of illicit drugs in Australia.”
“Illicit synthetic drugs such as ecstasy and methamphetamine are a major concern”.
“Australia experiences some of the highest rates of abuse for these drugs in the world - research shows that almost 1 in 10 Australians have tried methamphetamine and 73,000 Australians are dependent methamphetamine users” Mr O’Connor said.
“The domestic market for methamphetamines is primarily supplied by local clandestine laboratories so restricting access to tablet presses is a key strategy in curbing the ability of organised criminals to manufacture illicit drugs.”
Businesses with legitimate reasons to own tablet presses will still be able to access them through a robust import scheme.
“The Australian Government is committed to thorough consultation in the development of national policies and the Attorney-General's Department will shortly commence consultation, including writing directly to businesses that use tablet presses and peak industry associations,” the Minister said.
The policy paper will also be made available for public comment at www.ag.gov.au
“The Australian Government will continue to work with State and Territory Governments to implement strategies to reduce the supply of illicit drugs on Australian streets,” Mr O’Connor added
Media Contact: Christian Taubenschlag 0438 595 567
