DRUG PROBLEM NEEDS CO-OPERATION

IT is most unfortunate that Mr Hinch chooses to be emotive and accusatory
in responding to the proposed trial of supervised injecting places.

To suggest that those with different opinions to Mr Hinch's are insensitive
to the needs of the victims is also divisive - particularly to a community
which must work together to seek better solutions to a difficult problem.

I share Mr Hinch's concern and compassion for the victims of drug misuse -
the families, victims of crime and the like. But we must have compassion
for those who are addicted to drugs.

Let us never forget that junkies (to use Mr Hinch's terminology) are
"everybody's children." Legal and illegal drug use knows no boundaries.
The problems and tragedies affect people from all classes, all areas, most
ages, both sexes. The research confirms this.

As a community we all have a responsibility to protect ourselves, our
children and other people. We need a whole range of strategies that will
make our communities safer. Treatment programs help, education programs
have a key lace and law enforcement has a major role to play.

Much is being done here and much still needs to be done. But these
strategies take time to work.

An evaluated trial of supervised injecting places will let us know if these
facilities can help us create a safer place for everyone today. Based on
research from overseas, the forecast looks good.

These facilities contribute to safer public spaces in those areas currently
blighted by evidence of drug use - they mean fewer discarded needles and
fewer disturbing "drug scenes". Secondly, they have the potential to save
the lives of drug users.

These people - everybody's children - are just as worthy of our attention
as the drunk driver, who harms themselves or the person with emphysema that
has been self-inflicted through smoking.

I respect those who have different opinions about the best way to address
the problem. I believe most people are seeking their own solutions to a
complex problem. It is, however, hard to find solace in an emotive
diatribe with an absence of human compassion.

Bill Stronach, chief executive, Australian Drug Foundation