Coroner condemns government inaction

Territory Coroner Greg Cavanagh has condemned past and present Federal, State and Territory governments for failing to act on the devastation caused by petrol sniffing.

Senator Bob Brown this week called for the Federal Government to immediately fund and implement Coroner Cavanagh's recommendations on counter-acting petrol sniffing.

"They must not await the senate inquiry. The government should roll out Opal petrol across Central Australia as Coroner Cavanagh recommends," said Senator Brown.

"There is no good economic, social, business or other reason not to do so.

"Petrol sniffing is a horror. It violently wrecks personal, family and community relationships.

"These recommendations are a comprehensive package for the Howard Government to endorse now."

Senator Nigel Scullion said Mr Cavanagh's report "will undoubtedly be a central piece of evidence for the inquiry and will be considered most seriously".

"I welcome his comprehensive recommendations and am confident the Commonwealth government is on track to implementing meaningful solutions which will properly address this substance abuse problem once and for all," said Senator Scullion.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org/petrol.html
Pubdate: Friday, 14 October 2005
Source: Territory Times (Australia)
Author: Delia Allen
Email: territorytimes@iprimus.com.au
Copyright: 2005 Territory Times
Page: 11