AN OPEN MIND IS NEEDED

COLLIS PARRETT'S letters about heroin addiction always fill me with dismay,
never more so than "Behaviour of addicts must be understood" (Letters, 9
November).

It is disturbing that Collis Parrett knows that sharp-disposal bins placed
in toilets by Ansett Airline will not be used. He knows this on the basis of
talking to three recovering addicts. The certainty with which he holds this
view based on such flimsy evidence makes one question his objectivity and
his ability to make sound judgements based on any evidence.

I do not doubt Collis Parrett's earnest desire to remedy our escalating drug
problem, but I do doubt that he brings an open mind and a useful perspective
to the debate.

JUDY AULICH Giralang

Checked-by: Don Beck