DRUG REHAB GETS $2.5M INJECTION

The Carr Government today unveiled $2.5 million funding initiative
aimed at tackling the State's drug problems, implementing the second
stage of recommendations from last year's Drug Summit.

Special Minister for State, John Della Bosca said the money will be
used to upgrade non-government drug rehabilitation centres across the
State. The Salvation Army will receive $190,000 for eight new
rehabilitation beds that will enable an extra 53 people to be treated
a year.

A family drug support phone line service established by the Damien
Trimingham Foundation will receive $100,000 while a further $20,000
will be put towards an information booklet.

One of the most controversial recommendations of the summit was the
establishment of a medically supervised drug injecting room in
Sydney's Kings Cross.

The centre has been plagued by delays, with the local community split
over the location of the centre.

Originally to open in the first half of this year, the project is now
expected to open after October.

A coalition of church, parent and research groups last week announced
they would stage a second drug summit from June 13-15 highlighting the
need for harm prevention they believe was overlooked at last year's
drug summit.

The Australian Drug Harm Summit 2000 - Drugs, The Real Story - will
focus on preventing harm to children, families and communities who
suffer the effects of other people's drug habits.

Last month the NSW Government introduced drug laws that allow
under-18s to escape with a caution if found with up to 30g of cannabis
for personal use.

The scheme also allows juveniles to carry ``very small'' quantities of
other drugs including 1g of heroin, 1g of cocaine, 1g of amphetamine,
0.0008g of LSD and 0.25g of ecstasy.

Adults are entitled to carry only 15g under the caution system,
designed to free the courts of minor drug crimes.

Under the Cannabis Cautioning Scheme Trial, based on a model operating
in Victoria, adults found with 15g or less who can prove the drug is
for personal use will receive a police caution.