Pubdate: Thu, 06 Jan 2000
Source: Australian Associated Press (Australia)
Copyright: 2000 Australian Associated Press

INJECTING ROOM THE LESSER OF TWO EVILS: CARR

New South Wales Premier Bob Carr has vowed to push ahead with plans for a
heroin injecting room despite warnings it could attract dealers.

The room's proposed supervisors, the Uniting Church, are planning to scour
Kings Cross next week for a suitable site to set up the facility.

Mr Carr says an injecting room is the lesser of two evils and is worth
trialling.

NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research director Dr Don Weatherburn says
that unless injecting rooms are widespread, they could attract congregations
of heroin users and possibly dealers.

But Mr Carr says drug users and dealers already gather in the Cross.

State Opposition leader Kerry Chikarovski has described the plan for a
legalised shooting gallery as bad news and ill-conceived.
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