LET SCIENCE DECIDE OVER SAFE INJECTING

If ever there was an issue that deserved thorough scientific evaluation, it
is the drug issue. The absolute lack of insight of the Prime Minister over
the proposed safe injecting room trials in NSW, Victoria and the ACT
deserves the criticism put forward by Kim Beazley and Meg Lees.

If a scientific trial of zero-tolerance policing were proposed, John Howard
would be falling over himself to support it, no matter what international
treaties had to say on the matter. But God forbid a scientific trial of
safe injecting rooms should go ahead. Scientific investigation is only
allowed when there is little political risk, according to John Howard.

All eyes will be on the ALP next year if John Howard attempts to pass
Federal legislation overriding the trials.

It will be a chance for the ALP to prove it can take a progressive stand on
an issue by joining with the Australian Democrats in rejecting such
backward-looking intentions.