NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

In reply to the Hon. A.L. EVANS (20 June 2007).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health): I have been advised that:

1. The Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users' League (AIVL) is a national organisation that represents state and territory drug user groups. It is a peer-based organisation that deals with issues of national significance for people who have used illicit drugs. The organisation provides information to drug users about the importance of safe injecting and the risks of transmitting blood borne viruses, such as Hepatitis C.

2. I was not aware that SAVIVE was distributing an Australian IV League petition prepared by international drug user activists. Officers from Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia (DASSA) have met with the AIDS Council of SA/SAVIVE to discuss this matter. The AIDS Council has agreed to no further involvement in petitions of this nature.

3. DASSA does not provide funding either directly to AIVL or indirectly through SAVIVE.

4. It should be stressed that accessing people who engage in risky behaviour for the transmission of blood borne viruses is a difficult and complex task. The prevention of the transmission of HIV/AIDS and other blood borne viruses amongst individuals and the broader community is the paramount concern. It is therefore vital that the government funds agencies such as the AIDS Council to undertake this important work. The Council has a proven history of engaging hard to reach groups for the purpose of blood borne virus prevention. They undertake important work through the Clean Needle Program that focuses on strategies to reduce the transmission of blood borne viruses.