ADVISER'S DRUG COMMENTS PUT VIC GOVT UNDER PRESSURE

The Victorian Government is resisting pressure to dump a key ministerial
adviser over a scandal involving his promotion of recreational drug use.

Youth Affairs adviser David Henderson has sparked the outrage after the
Opposition revealed he promoted the use of ecstasy and amphetamines during
a Melbourne University student council election four years ago.

The Youth Affairs Minister, Monica Gould, has played down the controversy,
maintaining it was just an immature, misguided prank.

"It was said tongue in cheek at the time and he never intended it to be
taken seriously," Ms Gould said.

But the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association's Carol Bennett has taken
issue with the dismissal of the affair.

"I don't think it's acceptable just to say it's a prank," Ms Bennett said.

The Government is now seeking to reaffirm the integrity of its drug policy.

The Opposition says either Mr Henderson or the Minister has to go.