ATTACK ON TV STAR'S DRUG JIBE

Television's acerbic Judge Judy was callous and harmful in calling for
heroin addicts to be given dirty needles to hasten their death, drug
experts said today.

Popular United States judge and television personality Judy Sheindlin was
reported in Brisbane's Courier-Mail yesterday as saying that the debate
about needle supply to heroin addicts was led by "liberal morons".

She is reported to have said, to cheers from a Brisbane audience: "Give
them all dirty needles and let them die."

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation of Queensland's chief executive, Mr Bob
Aldred, said her comments were "callous and deplorable".

"The popular symbol of American justice has managed to devalue young lives
without recognising the growing drug problem," Mr Aldred said.

He said Australia ran a successful HIV/AIDS and hepatitis control program
through needle exchange, and Judge Judy's comments had no regard for
children or parents caught by addiction.

"Even in a democratic society, the arrogance of a TV celebrity using the
tragedy of young lives struck down by drugs for her own commercial gain is
nothing short of repulsive," Mr Aldred said.

Judge Judy left Brisbane on Tuesday and could not be reached for comment.

She had been in town to promote her book, Beauty Fades, Dumb is Forever.