INJECTING SOME FACTS IN DRUGS DEBATE

The claim that there have been 87 overdoses in the supervised injecting
centre in the six months to October (Herald, November 28) needs
clarification. This apparent increase in overdoses, which equates to three
lives saved in a week, is greater than it has ever been and far greater
than any other area in Australia and overseas.

This much was admitted by the centre's medical director, Dr van Beek, who
also claims that there have been no complaints to local MPs. Perhaps this
is because Clover Moore and Tanya Plibersek are firmly behind the concept,
as is a majority of South Sydney Council.

The sad fact is that addicts are still shooting up in the streets and
nothing much has really changed for those who live or make a living in
Kings Cross.

Paul Haege, Kings Cross Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Kings Cross,
November 29.