$1.5 MILLION MEDICAL CENTRE TO 'CLEAN UP' REDFERN

The NSW government's proposal to open a $1.5 million health centre in
Redfern would clean up the troubled inner-Sydney suburb, NSW Premier
Bob Carr said today.

An existing needle van at The Block in Redfern would be replaced with
the new centre on Lawson Street, Mr Carr said.

He said the new centre would also address the critical issue of
indigenous health.

"It will deliver a range of health services to this disadvantaged
area," Mr Carr said.

"Our goal is to clean up the area to see that it functions better, but
to move carefully and carry the support of the community with us."

The move comes eight months after the death of Aboriginal teenager TJ
Hickey and ensuing riots on the suburb's streets.

Under the government's plans, drug users would continue to get new
syringes and needles, but would also have access to drug and alcohol
specialists.

Health Minister Morris Iemma said the new centre would provide mental
health services, rehabilitation, counselling, postnatal care and legal
support services. Advertisement Advertisement

More importantly, it would work to crack down on the spread of HIV and
hepatitis, he said.

"All of the international evidence shows that cities that have needle
exchange programs have a lower prevalence of HIV and Hepatitis C
infections," he said.

Mr Carr said the government had taken into account community concern
in Redfern - a known haven for drug dealers and users - about whether
needle exchange programs simply led to more people shooting up on the
streets.

"While I understand some people's reservation about the needle and
syringe program, as a community we must recognise that this has
resulted in Australia having some of the lowest HIV and hepatitis C
rates in the world," he said.

Mr Carr refused to say if the new centre would reduce the prevalence
of heroin on Redfern streets.

"When it comes to heroin I am not confident about anything," he
said.

"It's a poisonous addictive substance. We've got to ease the people
who are using it off the substance and protect their health in the
meantime.

"Don't ask me to make bold predictions when it comes to people who are
dependant on this filthy, rotten, white powder."

Mr Iemma said the Health Department was finalising the purchase of the
premises and would start consulting the Aboriginal community and
Sydney City Council about the issue.