Demetriou Speaks Out On Drugs In Sport, Australia

Main Category: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs
Also Included In: Sports Medicine / Fitness
Article Date: 10 Dec 2007 - 4:00 PDT

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What: Fourth Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Oration, keynote speaker Andrew Demetriou
When: Tuesday 11 December, 4:30pm
Where: Village Roadshow Theatrette, State Library of Victoria

The Australian Drug Foundation is pleased to announce that Andrew Demetriou, CEO of the Australian Football League, will deliver the fourth Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Oration, on the topic of "Testing Times".

The AFL was the first sporting body to develop an illicit drugs policy - and that policy has been heavily scrutinized this year; by the media, politicians, health professionals and by senior figures within the league. Mr Demetriou will address some of these issues, as well as the AFL's role and responsibility as a community leader on a range of social issues.

The ADF's CEO, Bill Stronach, says the AFL is to be congratulated for its balanced policy addressing drug taking amongst its players, be it illicit or legal drugs such as alcohol.

"The AFL is to be commended for recognising the nexus between elite sportsmen, intoxication and harm. Throughout this year, the AFL has proven that it is serious and courageous about reducing the harmful drug taking by its players. The AFL is setting an example for other sporting bodies."

The Oration will be followed by awards for the ADF's Good Sports Program, as well as recognition of Bill Stronach who, after 18 years as the ADF's CEO, is retiring at the end of this year. He knows better than anyone how the issues around drug use have changed over the decades, and which policies have worked best to prevent drug problems.

Mr Stronach says he hopes that the AFL will continue to address drug and alcohol use in a sensible, even-handed and evidence-based way.

"We look forward to seeing other practical strategies implemented by the AFL in the future, in order to curb the use of alcohol and other drugs. The AFL's policies recognise that drug users are people first, which is essential if we are ever to encourage users to overcome their drug dependency or drug use, for the benefit of their own health and that of their sport."

Australian Drug Foundation