It started 30-odd years ago, when I wrote my first letter of concern about the expanding drug addiction problem to then-premier Neville Wran on August 19, 1977.

I quote from this letter: “The Parents’ and Citizens’ Association has discussed your letter and wish to pass on the following comments for your consideration.

“We agree wholeheartedly that the drug problem is growing rapidly and that something positive needs to be done without delay.

“You have mentioned in your address that you intend soon to adopt the select committee’s recommendation to impose heavier penalties for trafficking on hard drugs. We also believe that with great import that the increased usage of the drug is an undesirable element within our community.

“We also wish to impress upon you that the pushers and beneficiaries of the sale of hard drugs should be shown no leniency whatsoever.

“They are, in our estimate, no more than parasites in our community, destroying lives and feeding on the returns they receive.

“In many ways, they are worse than hardened criminals, who for some reason, incomprehensible to us, receive less punishment for crimes which are not as serious.

“We again urge you to take positive and urgent action.”

The problem I have is that, after 35 years, nothing really has happened of major importance.

Many years, many powers and promises, and now they are saying it is all too hard – let’s legalise.

Governments have nearly succeeded on several occasions, but just didn’t get there.

Now some are trying again to legalise drugs, so the people of NSW need to think deeply. What do you want for your children and grandchildren?

Warren Woodley

Tamworth