The Canberra Times, written 30th September, 1997 and published 2nd October
1997 Wrong Signal? Not in Switzerland The Canberra Times reported on August
20 in relation to the proposed heroin trial that "after a heated debate,
ministers fell into line with the view of Prime Minister John Howard that
to allow the trial would send the wrong signal to the community." When
Switzerland started their heroin trial in 1994 they had gained the dubious
distinction of the highest rate of heroin addiction in Europe after strong
adherence to a prohibition policy.

The Swiss community has a conservative reputation and Australian proponents
of a policy of "Just say no to drugs" assured us that the Swiss would
reflect John Howard's view that heroin trials send the wrong signal. After
two years experience of improvements to health, a decrease in crime and a
dramatic reduction in the number of used syringes littering their parks and
streets, the Swiss have emphatically endorsed their brave trial of a better
way to deal with the drugs menace. If only our Government had the courage
to read the signal the Swiss community have sent us.

PETER WATNEY
Holt