Steve Irons (Swan, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have spoken before about Sideffect and the work that Rod and David from Sideffect do in educating and warning about the effects of illicit drugs, especially to parents and children in Western Australia. Sideffect started after Rod Bridge wanted to ensure that families did not end up in a similar situation to him. I first heard about Sideffect when Rod Bridge and David Hobbs came and met me in my office to chat about their project in December 2016. Rod brought along a video that is now used in their presentations, which talked about his son Preston, who died as a result of illicit drugs. That was a heart-rending experience. I know that the member for Canning has got on board, and he is promoting the work that Sideffect do as well. From that point forward, I was motivated to help where I could and to see whatever this government and other governments could do to help further drug education.

Two years later, the team at Sideffect are working closely with Rio Tinto and other corporations. They are also in the process of launching the Orange Card program—the first of its kind in Australia. It is an online drug awareness and education platform. The aim of the card is to first and foremost educate people on the dangers of using these drugs and their impact on our workplace and community. Sideffect will continue to do great work in Western Australia and, hopefully, across Australia, in warning parents and children about the dangers of illicit drugs. (Time expired)