ACT LIBS COMMIT TO POLL ON HEROIN PRESCRIPTION TRIAL

The ACT Chief Minister, Gary Humphries, says a community plebiscite on new
strategies for combating drug addiction could reset the national debate.

The ACT Liberal Party is commiting $500,000 for a compulsory poll to test
support for a drug injecting room and a heroin prescription trial.

Mr Humphries says Prime Minister John Howard, remains the principal
stumbling block.

However, the Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Doctor Brendan
Nelson, says the Federal Government could be swayed by force of public opinion.

"The Prime Minister has made it clear that the Prime Minister and the
Federal Government does not support a heroin trial whether its conducted in
the ACT or any other part of Australia," he said.

"But ultimately that's a matter for the people of the ACT."