DRUG CAMPAIGN MAY BE WIDENED

The Federal Government's top drug advisory group wants an improved needle
exchange program and greater support for the families of drug addicts as
part of a new anti-drug campaign.

And, for the first time, the group of 15 experts handpicked by the Prime
Minister have formally discussed heroin trials, examing data collected
overseas.

In a statement released yesterday, the Australian National Council on Drugs
said it had considered a World Health Organisation report on Swiss heroin
trials.

The council's chairman, the Salvation Army drug and alcohol worker Major
Brian Watters, said the group had not reached a decision on heroin trials
but was interested in discussing the review of the Swiss approach.

"The council is committed to looking at all initiatives that aim to reduce
the harm associated with drug use," Major Watters said.

"Whilst the council has not reached any conclusions on the value of heroin
prescription programs, it has noted the high level of psycho-social support
provided by the Swiss Government for clients participating in the trial
program," he added.

The council has been criticised for not considering an Australian heroin trial.

The council strongly praised needle exchange programs, saying they had
curbed the spread of HIV and other blood-borne diseases in Australia.

Major Watters said it was time all governments considered expanding their
needle exchange programs.

The council believes needle exchanges should play a greater role in
directing drug addicts into rehabilitation, counselling and other support
services.

The executive officer of the council, Mr Gino Vumbaca, said: "Needle
exchange programs have contact with a group of drug users who, in the
majority of cases probably have very little contact with the treatment
sector. And in some cases have little or no contact with the health and
welfare sector."

The council also urged governments to boost support for families who have
been affected by drug use.

Mr Vumbaca said that the more support and information families had on drug
matters, the better they could cope with drug related problems.

The council's statement was immediately welcomed by the Alcohol and Other
Drugs Council of Australia.

Mr David Crosbie, the council's chief executive officer, said the statement
showed the council was prepared to consider all options to tackle drug use.

"It's wonderful that what's seen as a relatively conservative body has come
out and said, `Look, we strongly support needle exchange programs.' I hope
that's a message that the rest of the community heed," Mr Crosbie said.

Dr Nick Crofts, the deputy director of the Macfarlane Burnet Centre for
Medical Research, welcomed the council's support for needle exchange
programs. But he said diverting people to treatment should not be one of
the program's primary functions.