Having recently returned from a community policing and drug law
seminar in Nimbin, I have had it confirmed in my mind the futility of
drug prohibition.

In that place so often thought of as the mecca of free expression and
thought, the issues of heroin use and abuse are glaringly obvious. The
use and abuse of heroin, be it in Cabrarnatta, Mosman or Ninibin,
create the same social, health and community problems.

My sadness has been exacerbated by the apparent lack of experiential
contribution to the impending Carr Drug Summit. Mr Rowe and Mrs Wood
have a place in the summit but not at the cost of users, police,
dedicated academics, legal and health professionals.

Please, Mr Carr, do not waste this perfect opportunity to move towards
community-driven solutions to the endemic problem of drug use and
abuse in our society.

Ted Bassingthwaighte
Leeton.
May 10 1999