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Shipley Signals Tougher Anti-Drugs Stance
The Dominion, 22 Feb 1999
Prime Minister Jenny Shipley has signalled a tougher anti-drugs regime
after discussing Australia's drug problems with its prime minister,
John Howard.
Mr Howard spent the weekend in discussions with Mrs Shipley at
Millbrook resort, near Queenstown.
The Australian Government is putting A$87 million (NZ$103 million)
into strengthening border control, treatment and education programmes
as Australia experiences a surge in hard-drug exports.
During a walkabout with Mr Howard in Queenstown, Mrs Shipley said she
did not need persuading that the problem was serious.
"I am not one who favours decriminalisation or going soft on this
issue," she said. "I can't for the life of me see that by being
permissive you actually assist anyone."
Mrs Shipley confirmed that the Government was looking at border
control, treatment and education programmes and there would be close
contact with Australian authorities.
Government sources said it was likely there would be extra resources
put into the anti-drugs campaign, though it would not be on the same
scale as Australia.
Mrs Shipley and Mr Howard arrived in Wellington late yesterday. Today
Mr Howard is to meet the Cabinet, have lunch in the Beehive and hold a
joint press conference with Mrs Shipley before leaving for Australia.
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