HEROIN CRISIS A HOT POLL ISSUE

VICTORIA'S heroin crisis emerged as a key election issue yesterday
after Health Minister Rob Knowles rejected injecting houses for addicts.

The government's red light on the radical proposal sets the scene for
a showdown Labor has promised to open five safe houses if it wins
government.

Opposition Leader Steve Bracks is poised to tear up his offer of
bipartisan support for the government's anti-drugs strategy and
accused it of running from tough decisions.

Premier Jeff Kennett opened week two of the campaign by unveiling an
artistic coup, with Albert Tucker donating his $10million private
collection to Victorians.

A Herald Sun/Quadrant poll reveals 64 per cent of voters believe Mr
Kennett has the best vision for Victoria, compared with 28 per cent
for Mr Bracks.