SYRINGE BINS ON ANSETT FLIGHTS

INCREASING heroin and speed use on domestic and international aircraft has
forced Ansett to controversially fit its planes with syringe disposal bins.

The move is believed to be the first time any airline has taken the
dramatic public health step.

Qantas is also planning to introduce syringe bins on domestic flights, but
these would be kept in the physician's kit.

A Qantas spokesman said a disposal bin was already available in medical
kits on international flights. "But we are not planning to place them in
aircraft toilets at this stage," he said.

Ansett's decision was condemned as "insane" by the chairman of Prime
Minister John Howard's National Council on Drugs. "It's sending out a
message of surrender, of tacit approval of drug use. It will compound the
drug problem," Salvation Army major Brian Watters said.

But Ansett public affairs manager Peter Young and the Australian Medical
Association defended the move. "We have no other choice - the public danger
is just too great," Mr Young said.

AMA president David Brand said Ansett had moved to protect the health and
safety of employees and passengers.

"I'd rather go into an aircraft toilet and find a disposal unit than a
loose syringe," he said.

Mr Young said the decision was taken in response to the increased use of
illegal drugs on its flights.

"We don't have exact data, but illegal drug use on aircraft is
significantly on the rise," he said.

Mr Young said flight attendants and cleaning crews had found "reasonably
high numbers" of used syringes on aircraft.

Syringes containing heroin and amphetamines had been found in toilet bowls
and in seat pockets.

"That's not a situation or risk we are prepared to tolerate for the safety
of our customers, our staff and our cleaning crews," Mr Young said.

"Finding one syringe on a plane is one too many. It is a clear risk to
public safety." He said the airline was unable to prevent or control
illegal drug use.

Last month, a 21-year-old man was banned from travelling on Ansett after
being arrested for injecting heroin on a flight from Melbourne to Brisbane.

Ansett said the bins were also being installed for the use of legitimate
syringe users, such as people with diabetes.

Mr Young said the decision was made after consultation with the Los
Angeles-based International Airline Medical Advisory Council.

"They have applauded our decision and are considering recommending all the
world's airlines go down the same path," he said.

Maj. Watters claimed Ansett's plan was probably a futile move, with users
unlikely to take advantage of the facility.

He said Ansett passengers now faced the prospect of long flights seated
next to someone under the influence of drugs.

Youth worker Les Twentyman said the move was necessary for community health
and safety.

"It's all about AIDS prevention," he said.

"It won't encourage people to shoot up - it's about community health and
safety."

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski