MINISTERS BACK PM IN OPPOSITION TO HEROIN TRIALS

Federal Government ministers, including Treasurer Peter Costello, have
swung behind the Prime Minister in his opposition to prescription heroin
trials.

Mr Costello has attacked the National Crime Authority (NCA) for suggesting
the idea.

Prime Minister John Howard says as long as he is Prime Minister there will
be no heroin trials.

Mr Costello, tipped to take over as Liberal leader, has also ruled it out,
saying it would send the wrong message to young Australians.

"I don't support heroin trials, I never have," he said.

Mr Costello says the NCA should leave policy matters to elected
representatives.

Federal Health Minister Michael Wooldridge who once supported a trial, is
now opposed to the idea.

"It would be enormously controversial and I can't see the medical
benefits," he said.

Meanwhile, Labor leader Kim Beazley is backing the NCA.

"It is not a bad idea when you get it from a serious law enforcement body
to give it a bit of consideration," Mr Beazley said.

There is support too from two state directors of public prosecution in
South Australia and New South Wales.