MELBOURNE MAYORS CALL FOR ACT HEROIN TRIAL

MELBOURNE: Mayors from 10 inner Melbourne communities called yesterday for
the ACT's proposed heroin trial to proceed as part of a plan to minimise
the harm caused by illegal drugs.

Melbourne Lord Mayor Ivan Deveson said the plan, signed by the mayors, also
sought the "gradual spread" of the discretionary caution system, under
which small-time cannabis users received warnings rather than immediate
criminal charges.

"We are calling on Australia and the Prime Minister [John Howard] to
reconsider the ACT heroin trial early next year," Councillor Deveson said.

The ACT trial, in which addicts would be given heroin in a strictly
controlled rehabilitative environment, has been supported by Victoria and
South Australia but is likely to proceed only if backed by all states and
the Federal Government.

Earlier, Federal Police Commissioner Mick Palmer refused to comment on the
heroin trial specifically, but expressed his support for new initiatives
against drugs. "If something sounds like it might make sense and it's
something we can afford to do, why not give it a go?" Mr Palmer said.

Councillor Deveson said while the councils still supported tough penalties
for drug traffickers, radical efforts were required to reduce the harm done
to Melbourne communities by illegal drugs.

By signing the "anti-drug accord" yesterday, the mayors had committed their
communities to sharing information, communicating regularly and
experimenting with new initiatives.

Checked-by: derek rea