PM CAN'T UNDERSTAND ABOUT DRUG TRIAL

THE PRIME Minister's most recent comments about the proposed ACT trial
of heroin prescription (CT, February 13, p.7) indicate that he has not
been correctly informed about the research that recommended the proposal.

We are sure that the Prime Minister would agree that a rigorous
scientific foundation for a trial is essential and we strongly agree
with him that science alone is not enough.

Indeed the four-year feasibility research conducted by the National
Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at the Australian
National University and the Australian Institute of Criminology was
unique in that it carefully documented the potential risks associated
with heroin prescribing, as well as examining potential benefits. This
was done by extensive consultation with police, a broad range of
service providers, drug users, ex-users, parents, researchers and
policy makers and by undertaking national and ACT community surveys.

We made it our business to seek out opponents of heroin prescription
so that their views could be fully taken into consideration. Our final
analysis was that the potential risks could be minimised.

Heroin prescription alone will not solve the massive problems
associated with illegal drug use, but only trials will tell us if it
is a piece of the solution. Experience in Switzerland and the United
Kingdom suggests that there are real benefits.

We have not yet been given an opportunity to present the results of
our feasibility research to the Prime Minister and would greatly
appreciate an opportunity to do so.

GABRIELE BAMMER
BOB DOUGLAS
Acton