BATTLE ON DRUGS SHOULD CONCERN ALL

BALLARAT Mayor John Barnes' foray into the drugs debate was an interesting
if controversial one, with the civic boss suggesting the Federal Government
examine decriminailsing the use of heroin. It's not a new proposal. Many
experts agree with Cr Barnes that prohibition has never worked and never
will -- that to control the problem we need to deal with it under the
umbrella of health services rather than in the criminal justice system.

Nevertheless, it was still a most candid response from Cr Barnes. And,
while we don't agree with him, his statements will hopefully serve to make
people realise it will take drastic and constant action to address this
pressing community issue.

We said last week that we believe safe-injecting houses are worth a go, but
that they must prove their worth beyond any doubt before they become the norm.

Decriminalising heroin, though, is a quantum leap. As a society, we cannot
accept its illicit use -- and for that reason it must remain on the statute
books as a criminal offence.

To decriminalise heroin would be to give the wrong message -- that heroin
is safe to use. It would draw others to the drug and give it an almost
state imprimatur. How could we then embark on education programs about the
fatal consequences of drug addiction if people can legally use drugs such
as heroin?

That doesn't mean we can't address the problems arising from heroin abuse
in a more sensitive and intelligent manner -- and giving greater emphasis
to education than prosecution.

Certainly, before we throw up our hands in surrender we need to consider
better-equipping health units and professionals.

As a regional health centre, Ballarat, it would seem by recent reports, is
under-resourced to help those wanting to break the cycle of drugs.

The battle against drugs will be a long, long campaign in which everyone
should at least show an interest, from the Mayor down.