SHOOTING GALLERIES 'IMMORAL'

A controversial local council motion calling for a pilot of shooting
galleries in hospitals will be debated at the Queensland Local Government
Association annual conference, which began yesterday in regional Toowoomba.

But speaking in Brisbane, Health Minister Wendy Edmond said the idea had
been looked at by the Government and rejected.

"I've come up with the conclusion it's totally immoral and irresponsible to
even suggest that we do it," she said.

Ms Edmond said shooting galleries in public hospitals did not exist
anywhere in the world and Queensland did not "want to turn public hospitals
into honeypots for drug dealers".

Premier Peter Beattie said the plan could not be practically implemented
because it would endanger the health and welfare of hospital staff.

"I understand people have got views about all these things, but it's also a
breach of international drug protocol," he said.

"Some people like us to be seen as the big ogres in all this, but we're
happy to look at any sensible, constructive idea that will save lives." Ms
Edmond was also left red-faced yesterday when she was unable to explain the
details of a youth anti-drug strategy that will receive State Budget funds
next week.

Mr Beattie and Ms Edmond announced a $27 millionspending package to cover
six youth drug and alcohol abuse-prevention strategies, an increase in
funding this year of $3 million.

But when asked what the 100 per cent IN CONTROL Rumble in the Jungle
activities for youths at risk were, Ms Edmond fumbled and described it as a
"teen event".

"It's basically to have a lot of fun for young people without alcohol or
drugs," she said. Ms Edmond added she had never attended one and the
activity "changes depending on where they are".

The announcements in next Tuesday's State Budget covering treatment and
health promotion activities include $640,000 to train youth workers,
doctors and event co-ordinators; funding to employ a project officer to
develop liquor industry guidelines and a $25,000 grant to the Gold Coast
City Council to help it ensure that the annual Schoolies Week remains free
of trouble.