Opposition Senator Caswell Franklyn is calling for a strong community intervention by government agencies and especially the national council on substance abuse in response to the issues of crime and violence. He believes the council needs to be refocussed.

Senator Franklyn, who said he was involved with the council in its early stages was speaking as the upper chamber debated the National Council on Substance Abuse Amendment Bill.

Meantime, Government Senator Kay McConney explained that the act governing the council was being amended to reflect that the body was moved from the office to the ministry of home affairs some years ago.  The two ministries have now been separated.