DRUG-CLINIC PLAN WILL TELL KIDS HEROIN IS OK

HEALTH Minister Michael Moore's scheme to set up a government-run
shooting gallery (euphemistically termed 'injecting clinic'') for heroin
addicts demands a more rigorous examination than it has received up to
now. The minister claims that such a facility will be a good thing
because it will lessen the risk of drug overdoses by providing a
'controlled'' injecting environment in which medical help will be close
at hand. This is a seductive argument, but one which ignores the wider
issues.

Other jurisdictions, most notably NSW, where the heroin problem in
Sydney is far worse than in Canberra, have rejected the idea of
state-run shooting galleries, in large part because of their undesirable
social impact, serious legal issues and the danger that they would
become centres for illicit drug dealing and other criminal activities.

Of even more concern, what is the message that the establishment of
government-run injection parlours will send to every young person toying
with the idea of experimenting with drugs? Surely a message that heroin
use is now OK (it must be, otherwise why would our Government be
sponsoring it?), so why not have a go? Never mind that heroin is highly
addictive and socially destructure; they will find that out to their
cost, and to the despair of their families, soon enough. Is this what we
want for our children in the ACT?

PETER TRICKETT Fraser

Checked-by: willtoo