THIS APPOINTMENT DESERVES CRITICISM

FAR FROM being 'mean-minded and insubstantial', as alleged by the Prime
Minister (CT, 26 May, p.3), ACT Health Minister Michael Moore's criticisms
of the appointment of (Salvation Army Major) Brian Watters as chair of the
Australian National Council on Drugs are timely and justifiable.

We need look no further than Mr Watters' publicly reported comments to see
how inappropriate the appointment is:

'There are worse things than death when it comes to addictions' (SMH, 23
August 1997); 'If you want to use heroin that will be at your expense and
you will have to face what that brings' (CT, 24 August 1997); 'We do not
apologise for our belief that a healthy drug-free lifestyle and acceptance
of Christian beliefs and standards is the proven preventative and remedy for
the social problems of our society' (CT, 14 September 1997).

Mr Watters' views might be seen as quaint and outmoded when they are
expounded by a sectarian leader. From a public figure giving advice to a
Federal Government that is promoting evidence-based health funding, they are
blinkered and dangerous and I would expect any responsible Health Minister
to criticise them.

MIKE KENNEDY Cook

Checked-by: Melodi Cornett