Death Of Anna Wood
DEATH OF ANNA WOOD
Ms MEAGHER: My question without notice is directed to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Health, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. What is the Government's reaction to the finding of the Coroner's inquest into the death of Anna Wood?
Dr REFSHAUGE: Today the Coroner found that the death of Anna Wood was caused by hypoxic encephalopathy, following acute water intoxication secondary to ingestion of methylene-dioxymethamphetamine, otherwise known as ecstasy. Anna Wood's death was directly related to the use of ecstasy. It is always unfortunate when a young life is cut so short. What is even more tragic is that Anna Wood's death could have been avoided. The death of Anna Wood and the coronial finding handed down this morning further highlight the dangers of these so-called designer drugs. Many people think that drugs like ecstasy are harmless fun. They are wrong. There can be no equivocation on the issue of safety. Make no mistake: ecstasy can and does kill. Anna Wood's tragic death is proof of that fact. Today the Coroner made clear findings to that effect.
The fact that ecstasy is illegal increases the danger of the drug for users. Ecstasy is made in backyard laboratories without any controls. The motivation is pure greed - to make as much money as possible without concern for the welfare or health of the person who buys and consumes the drug. The Government remains committed to stamping out illicit drug use wherever it occurs. Anyone caught trafficking in or manufacturing amphetamines faces a 15-year gaol term or a fine of up to $200,000. Dealers of large commercial quantities of a drug such as ecstasy face a $500,000 fine or life imprisonment. I am informed by my colleague the Minister for Police that the recent Operation Noah launched by Anna's mother resulted in 186 items of information on ecstasy and LSD supply and manufacture. The warning from this Government to drug dealers and manufacturers is clear: ecstasy is an illegal drug. Those caught making or selling it can expect little sympathy from the courts. The Coroner, in his findings, made it clear that more needs to be done to avoid a repeat of these tragic events. The Government is already implementing his recommendation.
The Northern Sydney Area Health Service, in consultation with the New South Wales Users and AIDS Association, is developing an information brochure aimed at reducing the risk of serious injury or death related to the use of ecstasy or other illicit drugs. I am advised that the brochure will be ready for publication and distribution within one month. The actions that the Government is now
Page 3024
taking in no way condone the use of illicit drugs. Ecstasy is illegal and ecstasy kills. The recommendation by the Coroner to increase the level of information on the effects and consequences of ecstasy use recognised that people will continue to use illicit drugs. This brochure will provide clear and concise information for users. It will give people up-to-date information on how users can best protect their health and avoid injury or death. In addition, the pamphlet will urge anyone who becomes ill or is with someone who becomes ill to seek immediate medical treatment.
By providing this information in an accessible form we can ensure that people make an informed decision and know what to do if something goes wrong. We know very little about the immediate and short-term effects of drugs like ecstasy except that they are dangerous and potentially life threatening. Education is one of our most powerful weapons in the fight against illicit drug use. The Government has already committed $5 million to initiate drug education programs in New South Wales schools. In addition, the Department of School Education and the Australian Medical Association have formed a joint working committee to promote drug and alcohol education programs for school students. By providing information to users we can ensure that their decision to take or not to take ecstasy or other drugs is an informed one. The Government accepts the Coroner's recommendation following the death of Anna Wood, and has acted accordingly.