W.A. Opposition, & Greens slam new anti-cannabis campaign

[Frazz]

The State Opposition and the Greens have lashed out at the Government's new drug awareness campaign targeting teenage cannabis users.

 

Yesterday, the Government launched the, 'Swap for Pot' message to target 15 to 19 year old cannabis users as a part of the Drug Aware Campaign.

The Mental Health Minister Helen Morton encouraged users to "smash their bong".

 

However, the manager of Opposition Business Michelle Roberts doubts the new campaign will decrease the use of drugs.

"This campaign is bordering on farcical and trivial. It is too little too late. I don't think it will be effective with young people, I expect most people will make a joke of it," she said.

"Probably just a bit of smoke and mirrors to cover up the fact that this Government has been really weak in terms of their drug strategy."

 

The government plans to launch a series of advertisements to spread its anti-cannabis message.

The campaign is expected to cost $400,000.

 

The Greens spokeswoman for Youth Alison Xamon, says drug use among teenagers is a very complex issue that needs more detailed solutions.

"It really doesn't help if we are trying to tackle it with simplistic slogans," she said.

Ms Xamon says approaches to drug use should be based on clear, evidence-based thinking.

 

Ms Morton said yesterday the campaign was about providing alternatives to cannabis users.

"Getting some enjoyment and pleasure and happiness in the day other than using cannabis," she said.

"We want people to write and jot these ideas on the fridge, then go outside and get a hammer and smash their bong."

 

The Professor of Health at Curtin University Mike Daube said the campaign would help generate a gradual shift in attitudes.

"I dont think that suddenly kids are going to rush off and do something else instantly, I think this is part of a long term program," he said.

"It won't get through to everybody, what campaign does?"

 

Date: May 24, 2012 10:48:23

Source: ABC News http://www.abc.net.a...0424?section=wa

Copyright: 2012 ABC NEWS.

 

Four Hundred Thousand 400,000 taxpayers Dollars spent here to tell the Public to go and "smash their bongs" ... isn't that just a little too simplistic , how much thought went into this 'campaign' !

plus it is an insult to the young peoples intelligence , i dont believe even one person will go and smash his bong because the Govt suggested it .. 'specially after paying good money for the bong too

what about rolling joints ... or will they ban cigarette papers too

 

[brick]

If the kids are smart. They will keep their bongs as they could become very valuable. What a fucked up government they have over their. The drink driving ads are just as farcical.

$400k could have gone to helping kids that need a feed, or family's on hard times.

 

What sort of people voted these idiots into power?

[bluntman_77]

reminds me of nancy reagans "just say no"

 

Edited May 24, 2012 by bluntman_77

[Cerberus]

mine's unbreakable, I wasted a good few hours but nothin' happened.

 

This government sucks!

 

what about rolling joints ... or will they ban cigarette papers too

 

 

Remember when stabbings stopped 'cos they banned knives? wait, hang on...

 

[saltbox]

The campaign is named "swap for pot"? That makes it sound pro cannabis. Shit, tell me what I can swap for some pot! I'd love to do that!

[Haratio Hornblower]

The campaign is named "swap for pot"? That makes it sound pro cannabis. Shit, tell me what I can swap for some pot! I'd love to do that!

Hey saltbox 350 will get you an oz cheese candy......

[Budzzz]

I love it where she says:

Ms Morton said yesterday the campaign was about providing alternatives to cannabis users.

"Getting some enjoyment and pleasure and happiness in the day other than using cannabis," she said.

 

What about a campaign about providing alternatives to tobacco and alcohol users.

Helen needs to find some enjoyment and pleasure and happiness in the day other than hittin that bottle when she gets home after a hard days weed bashing propaganda.

 

And here's her punchline:

"We want people to write and jot these ideas on the fridge, then go outside and get a hammer and smash their bong."

 

What she didn't tell everyone is that secretly she smokes cigarettes when downing her bottles of red wine each night.

 

"We want Helen to write and jot these ideas on the fridge, then go outside and get a hammer and smash her smokes and grog, preferably while strapped to her head"

 

Maybe just maybe after she has hit herself in the head a few time she might wake up to herself, but I think it would take more than a few hits.

[Ashilles]

is there a way to see the impact of spending that money?

 

dumbest campaign idea i have ever heard of.

[bufo marinus]

I thought drug testing every poor bastard that wants a job in the 'big sand pit' was about healt and safety? Imagine if some brainless idiot actually follows the advice, smashes their bong, gets shards of glass in their eye AND SUES THE ARSE OFF BARNETTS GOVERNMENT!...

 

Just say NO! to hammer kids

[bluntman_77]

 

Just say NO! to hammer kids

 

http://d24w6bsrhbeh9d.cloudfront.net/photo/245637_700b.jpg