INITIATIVES COULD REDUCE HARM AND SAVE LIVES

COL PARRETT (CT, Letters August 18) is befuddled on illegal drug
issues. He says illicit drug policies are not working and yet he is not
prepared to trial new initiatives like supervised injecting rooms or
heroin trials that just might save some lives.

He continues to be confused on Australia's drug policy. Australia is a
signatory to the UN conventions which prohibit several drugs including
heroin. These conventions have been introduced as prohibition laws in
this country.

However, to help overcome the harm caused by prohibition, Australia has
adopted a harm minimisation approach. Harm minimisation strategies are
used widely.

Seat belts in cars minimise the harm from car accidents, bicycle
helmets minimise the harm from bike accidents, low-alcohol beer
minimises the harm of alcohol. I am sure he would not want to turn
back these policies. Harm minimisation from drugs is no different.

It would appear that Mr Parrett is not interested in reducing harm for
illegal drug users or reducing deaths. His condolences and tears are a
sham when he is not prepared to trial initiatives that could reduce
harm and save lives.

However, he is right about one thing: the drugs (prohibition) policy
plan is doomed and the parachute of supervised injecting rooms and
heroin trials lies unused.