The NSW Drug Summit was held in the NSW Parliament from 17–21 May 1999. The Summit brought together members of the Parliament, experts and professionals, community representatives, families, and people who have had drug problems, to find ways to deal with drugs in the community. The Government's response to the 172 recommendations endorsed by the Summit is outlined in the Government's Plan of Action. One of the recommendations was the implementation of a three-year statewide Community Drug Information Strategy. The Strategy aims to improve communication regarding illicit drug issues and enhance community understanding of the current approaches taken by Government and communities to address illicit drugs. The NSW Premier's Department is implementing this Strategy in conjunction with key Government agencies. One key issue that the Strategy seeks to address is the way in which current programs and activities are communicated to the community. Over 400 individual projects are being implemented through a broad range of programs across 12 NSW Government agencies. The community wants to be able to easily identify the range of initiatives implemented and funded by Government. Accordingly, a key component of the Strategy is the development of a logo and message for initiatives under the NSW Drug Summit Government Plan of Action. The purpose of the logo and its message is to provide a clear and distinct way of identifying the range of initiatives the Government is implementing to address drug problems. The message provides an easily identifiable image and signifies integration and coordination of responses across Government agencies. The Government has adopted the logo and message, Act Now. NSW Government and You. Taking a stand against drugs. This logo is to be a component of all communications regarding initiatives funded under the NSW Drug Summit Government Plan of Action. To ensure a consistent whole-of-Government message I encourage all Ministerial Offices to use the logo and message on media releases, correspondence and other materials communicating regarding illicit drugs. I also encourage Ministerial Offices to liaise with the Office of the Special Minister of State regarding such material to ensure a coordinated response. Use of the logo on communication material developed by Departments should be cleared through the relevant Ministerial Office. I anticipate the logo being used when communicating regarding all initiatives under the NSW Government Plan of Action. Exceptional circumstances, where there is concern that the logo and message may not be appropriate for the material, should be discussed with the Office of the Special Minister of State. Please note, to assist Ministerial Offices and Government agencies in the ongoing use of the message, protocols, a style manual and copies of the logo and message on disk will be available shortly. In the meantime, contact the officer below for an electronic version of the logo and message or if you have enquires regarding their use. Bob Carr Premier

Date: 31 May 2000