'GOOD MOVE', BUT RESOURCES VITAL

Health and welfare agencies have welcomed provisions in legislation
introduced by the Victorian Government yesterday to include
counselling and education services as part of the operation of
supervised injecting facilities.

They warned, however, that referral to services would only be
effective if those services - rehabilitation, detoxification, and
employment programs - were adequately resourced.

John Dalziel, of the Salvation Army, which is neutral on an injecting
facility, said referral to other services was a welcome inclusion.

"I am glad the government recognises that having an injecting facility
alone is not the only way to address the problem of drug use," he said.

Residents groups, however, were concerned that police powers to use
their discretion in arresting users might extend to dealers.