Hastie to host drug action forums in Mandurah and Byford

Wednesday, 6 June 2018 09:25

By Taylah Strano

The Member for Canning will conduct two community forums this month to discuss the current drug situation in the Peel Region.

Canning MP Andrew Hastie has partnered with Sideffect Australia to host two 'Drug Action Forums' in a bid to educate young people about the dangers of illicit drugs use through two forums in Mandurah and Byford.

Sideffect is a not-for-profit organisation founded by Rod Bridge, after his 16-year-old son died after taking LSD during his school ball after party.

Mr Hastie has been a campaigner for more reform and prevention of the growing illicit drug use epidemic in the Peel Region.

Earlier this year the region was identified to be using ice twice as much as the national average.

Mr Hastie has also pushed for drug testing dole recipients to be trialled in Mandurah, with the federal government still waiting to pass the laws through the senate.

He said early prevention was the best way of achieving long term change in the fight against drug abuse.

“Since 2015 I’ve worked with local government, community groups, and healthcare providers to fight for better drug support services in our region," he said.

“We’ve had some major wins, including funding to build the Peel Youth Medical Service Health Hub, which is due for completion at the end of this year. But we can always do more.

“Sideffect’s program is about educating parents, kids and teachers about the dangers of illegal drug use. Drugs have destroyed too many lives in our region."

The Mandurah forum will be held on June 12 at Foundation Christian College, the Byford seminar will take place on June 14 at West Byford Primary School.

Residents can register for the free events here.

"These forums are about helping young people get the right information, so they can make good choices," Mr Hastie said.