HOWARD URGES BALANCED COVERAGE OF ANTI-DRUGS FIGHT

John Howard has urged the media to report both sides of the fight
against drugs.

The Prime Minister told a gathering of Liberal Party faithful in
Northern Victoria, it was easy to focus on issues of contention.

"On occasions the press in Victoria and elsewhere have dwelt upon the
fact that Jeff Kennett and I have a different view on whether there
should be a heroin trial," Mr Howard said.

"Yet the reality is that on 90 per cent of drug policy our views are
absolutely identical and we continue to work together very closely in
providing increased levels of support for people who want to break the
habit," he said.