HEROIN 'STASH' PLAN SPARKS CIVIL OUTCRY

HEROIN addicts will be allowed to carry enough of the drug for personal use
at a "safe injection place", under a plan endorsed by the ACT Government.

The proposal, from the Territory's Health Minister, Michael Moore, will
create a protocol allowing addicts to avoid police prosecution when
participating in a "scientific trial" at supervised shooting galleries.

Mr Moore, an Independent minister in the Cabinet of the minority Liberal
Government, said yesterday the approach was one of harm minimisation rather
than de facto legislation for personal use.

"Changing the law is one option but we have legal opinion that a protocol
is consistent with our international obligations," he said. "We have got to
get our heads out of the sand and take a pragmatic approach and solve the
problem."

Australian Federal Police Association ACT secretary Jason Byrnes said the
proposal made a mockery of the Howard Government's tough drugs strategy and
could let smaller dealers escape the law.

Independent MP and former Canberra Raiders rugby league footballer Paul
Osborne, who shares the balance of power in the assembly, warned he would
do all in his power to stop the scheme, or any move to legislation.

The Salvation Army also expressed "grave concerns" and questioned whether
it was a step towards a heroin trial.

Mr Moore will today introduce a motion to the Territory's assembly to allow
the first stages of the trial and legislation for indemnities for health
professionals working in the facility.

Labor has given guarded support to the idea, while Mr Moore hopes the
Liberals - who have supported his motion and first piece of legislation in
Cabinet - will allow a free vote.

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski