BOLKUS STILL IN EYE OF CYCLONE

THE fallout continued yesterday over Labor Nick Bolkus' claim that Prime
Minister John Howard was responsible for cheaper heroin and the growing
number of drug deaths.

Justice Minister Amanda Vanstone called on Opposition Leader Kim Beazley to
sack Senstor Bolkus or "be exposed as a leader who endorses gutter politics".

And Liberal Party campaign director Lynton Crosby demanded the withdrawal
of radio advertisements, placed by a New South Wales union, which followed
Senator Bolkus' argument by linking Mr Howard with the death of one of the
speaker's grandchildren.

Mr Beazley maintained the defence of his justice spokesman, saying Senator
Bolkus had clarified his comments and expressed regret at any
misinterpretation.

Schools Minister Chris Ellison continued to press the issue, attacking
Senator Bolkus for attempting to politicise the serious issue of heroin
deaths.

But the Government, in turn, was strongly criticised for its $75 million
drug strategy, with lobby group, Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform,
accusing Mr Howard of buying votes and playing on ignorance.

"All the evidence points to the fact that law and order efforts actually
make the problem worse," said president Brian McConnell. "Only the promise
of extra funding for treatment and education is welcome, provided that it
is based on evidence."

Greens (WA) Senator Dee Margetts said Mr Howard and his advisers should be
complimented for increasing funding to fight illicit drugs but they had
ignored the fact that 30 times more Australians died every year from
overuse of legal drugs such as alcohol and tobacco.

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski