METHADONE IN SUBURBS TO TAKE HEAT OFF ADDICTS

Suburban chemists will be encouraged to dispense the heroin substitute
methadone to recovering addicts under a Carr Government plan to stem the
crime and drug-dealing often associated with big methadone clinics.

The Minister for Health, Mr Knowles, announcing the second phase of the
Government's $138 million response to the Drug Summit, said $49 million
would be spent creating 6,500 more methadone places over the next four years.

Of this, $5.5 million was earmarked to encourage chemists to accept
methadone clients who had been stabilised. Those who agreed to participate -
or increased their number of clients - would be paid a special fee.

"There are currently 13,000 people on methadone in NSW," Mr Knowles said.
"Methadone helps to stabilise drug users helping them to get their lives
back on track - out of crime and into employment.

"Much of the public disquiet about the methadone program comes from the fact
that it is often dispensed from large clinics.

"Neighbours complain that some clinics are the source of disturbance and
crime because people gather in numbers. By dispersing methadone treatment we
can begin to alleviate the problems often associated with large clinics."

The Government has also put large private methadone clinics on notice that
they will have to pass tough new licensing rules or face closure.

Also, new methadone patients will be required to sign contracts of
commitment to treatment or face stricter urine testing or loss of privileges
such as takeaway doses.

Mr Knowles said responsibility for the drug problem must be shared - not
only throughout the wider community but among addicts.

At present, methadone syrup is paid for by the Federal Government and
dispensed free through public clinics.

GPs can also prescribe methadone and it can be dispensed for $2 to $7 a dose
through pharmacists or private clinics. The private sector handles about a
third of all methadone clients.

Mr Carr said the plan would allow the treatment of about 23,450 people over
the next four years, bringing the Government's total spending on drug and
alcohol treatment and rehabilitation to $439 million up to 2003.

The Government is expected to announce details of the third plank of its
anti-drugs strategy today with a commitment to trial a police caution system
for minor cannabis offences as well as paving the way for medically
supervised injecting rooms.

Other measures include:

* Three multi-purpose drug and alcohol services in New England, the
mid-North Coast and south-west Sydney.

* $6.8 million for the expansion of Community Drug Action Teams.

* Expansion of the Pharmacy Fitpack scheme, which enables safe disposal of
needles.

* A 24-hour Statewide needle clean-up number (1800 633 353) and $200,000 for
council-based clean-up schemes.

* $5.3 million for residential rehabilitation services run by community
organisations.

* A five-year clinical research trial to examine the effectiveness of
specific treatment programs for heroin, cannabis and cocaine.