PM NAMES NEW DRUGS COUNCIL MEMBERS

Prime Minister John Howard has announced the 18 members of the National
Council on Drugs to advise him on drugs policy for the next three years.

New members include David Crosbie from a Melbourne drug treatment service,
Nick Gill from a drug and alcohol service in Alice Springs and Garth Popple
from a NSW program called "We Help Ourselves".

Major Brian Watters from the Salvation Army will continue as chairman.

There have been accusations from outgoing members that they have lost their
positions because they support harm minimisation approaches such as safe
injecting rooms and heroin trials.

Mr Howard has denied the claim and says the new members will bring fresh
views and support the changing focus of the council.