DEMOCRATS CRITICISE GOVT'S DRUG POLICIES

The Democrats say the Government must open its eyes to the facts about drug
addiction and treatment, instead of pushing the "just say no" message.

The call follows recommendations from doctors that radical new policies be
trialled.

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians has released a report calling
for a trial of prescription heroin to long-term addicts and of medically
supervised injecting rooms.

The Democrats leader, Meg Lees, says the doctors have done their research
and know what works.

She says the Government cannot keep ignoring the fact that heroin addiction
and deaths are increasing and that overseas heroin trials have improved the
lives of addicts.

"It's very frustrating that this Government will not listen to overseas
evidence, will not look at the facts, and keeps saying basically that it
doesn't work when in fact we know it does," she said.