GLOBAL SUPPORT SOUGHT IN ANTI-DRUG FIGHT

A group of anti-drug campaigners is enlisting international help to
try to gain more influence over Australian drug policies.

A drugs summit starts today in Sydney with the Prime Minister's
endorsement.

John Howard has sent a message of support to a conference featuring
Major Brian Watters, who chairs the PM's National Council on Drugs.

Major Watters says this summit is not intended to undermine last
year's New South Wales Government event, which agreed on drug
injecting rooms.

Today, speakers from Sweden, Holland and the US will join local
Christian and anti-drugs groups.

They come at a time, Major Watters says, when there is too much
emphasis on helping drug users to continue using.

"The total harm minimisation policy in Australia includes the
prevention of the uptake of drugs, but we don't hear much about that,"
he said.