FED: ALP supports heroin injecting rooms

AAP General News (Australia)
12-12-1999
FED: ALP supports heroin injecting rooms

Opposition Leader KIM BEAZLEY has thrown his support behind controversial drug injecting
rooms, saying the government he leads will support them.

Mr BEAZLEY has congratulated a congregation at the Uniting Church in Sydney for agreeing
to run New South Wales' first sanctioned heroin shooting gallery.

The opposition leader later told journalists that governments must have a complex response
to the scourge of drugs in the communuity.

Mr BEAZLEY says while it's up to each state to organise and run their own injecting
rooms, the commonwealth government should take a supportive approach.

His views put him at odds with Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD who has hit out at the concept
of legally sanctioned heroin injection.



Mr BEAZLEY also says he's desperately sad that government health authorities have refused
to fund the controversial drug NALTREXONE which helps heroin addicts kick the habit.

AAP RTV cf/rds/sb/msk

KEYWORD: BEAZLEY (SYDNEY)

1999 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.