Young people
Get active in drug policy
Hot topics: alcohol, drug law review, and tobacco. The Government and its agencies, Parliament and other organisations often seek comment and input into drug policy issues. This might be in the form of consultations or inviting submissions to select committees, or seeking expert comment on draft policies.
Summary of research on party pills
This paper summarises recent research findings on BZP/party pills, and outlines the current legislative status of BZP. It is being made available to assist organisations or people wanting to make submissions on the proposal to reclassify BZP and its analogues.
Law and Order Select Committee report October 2006 on youth alcohol harm reduction
Sale of Liquor (Youth Alcohol Harm Reduction) Amendment Bill (260-2) (20 October 2006)The Law and Order Committee has examined the Sale of Liquor (Youth Alcohol Harm Reduction) Amendment Bill and recommends that it be passed with the amendments shown.
Terms of reference for liquor review released
Justice Minister Mark Burton and Associate Health Minister Damien O'Connor today released the terms of reference for the Government's review of the sale and supply of liquor to under-18-year-olds. The review's goals are to determine the harm caused by the sale and supply of liquor to minors, evaluate the effectiveness of current restrictions and develop proposals that might be necessary to address the causes of harm. The project will also include a review of the provisions of the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 relating to the sale and supply to minors. "The impact of underage drinking is significant for our communities and young people. This is why it's critical that we have a complete and factual picture of how under-18-year-olds are getting alcohol and accompanying trends," Mark Burton said. "The scope of the review will mean that the underlying causes of harm to youth arising from drinking are fully canvassed; and that detailed proposals are developed to address the problems," Damien O'Connor said. "The review will comprise two phases," Damien O'Connor said. "The first phase will consist of research and analysis. Phase two will set out options and recommendations for reform for Cabinet to consider. Cabinet will finalise the timeline so that the matter is progressed this year." "The debate that took place in November around Government MP Martin Gallagher's Bill concerning underage drinking highlighted a need for a focused review looking specifically at the effectiveness of current restrictions applying to under 18 year-olds," Mark Burton said.
Report on 'BZP' and 'party pills'
Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton has received a report from the Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs (EACD) on benzylpiperazine (BZP) and related substances, also known as 'party pills'.
19 December 2006 | Drug Foundation supports Minister's drug policy process
The Drug Foundation welcomed drug policy minister Jim Anderton’s announcement today to consult with the wider community before changing the legal status of party pills.
7 November 2006 | Review of underage alcohol supply limited
The New Zealand Drug Foundation expressed concern at the Government’s limited response to tackle problems of underage drinking.
18 October 2006 | MPs surveyed on drinking age vote
The New Zealand Drug Foundation today began a survey of members of Parliament on their support for the raising the drinking age.
