VATICAN SAYS NO TO DRUG TRIAL

The Vatican has intervened to prevent an order of Catholic nuns from
supervising NSW's controversial plans for a heroin injecting room.

The Sisters of Charity of Australia said they were saddened and disappointed
by the instruction from the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the
Faith.

The Australian order's leader, Sister Annette Cunliffe RSC, said she had
received notification from Sydney Catholic Archbishop Edward Clancy that the
proposal to operate the injecting room in Kings Cross was unacceptable.

Another organisation must now be found to conduct the trial.

"We are saddened by these events and the effect upon so many," Sister
Cunliffe said.

"We are also very disappointed that we were not asked by the Vatican to
provide information on the proposed trial injecting service."

NSW Special Minister of State John Della Bosca said the decision was
unfortunate and he would now work to find another suitable organisation to
conduct the trial.

Sr Cunliffe said the order was told the Vatican's determination to pull the
nuns out of the project was based on practical concerns rather than more
complex moral principles.

She said the Charity Health Service Darlinghurst would work with the
Government to ensure a smooth transition to another suitable operator.

"This decision, whilst disappointing, will not diminish our desire to seek
ways to alleviate this particular form of suffering in the community," she said.

Earlier this week, the NSW Liberal Party moved to block legislation allowing
the establishment of the state's first legalised shooting gallery.

At a party-room meeting, members were told they would not be able to have a
conscience vote on the issue which is expected to be debated in the Upper
House today.

But the legislation is expected to gain the numbers to be passed with the
majority of the cross-benchers indicating they would support the
Government's proposal.

The AIDS Council of NSW said the Vatican decision was disappointing, but
should be seen as nothing more than a minor setback.