Pubdate: Thu, 27 Apr 2000 Source: Herald Sun (Australia) Copyright: News Limited 2000 Contact: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ Author: Fran Cusworth And Nicola Webber HEROIN ROOM DOOMED VICTORIA'S controversial trial of heroin injecting rooms appears certain to be defeated. Two key independent MPs yesterday added their voices to growing opposition to the plan for five state-sanctioned injecting rooms in Melbourne suburbs. Mildura MP Russell Savage and Gippsland East MP Craig Ingram indicated they would vote against legislation planned by the Bracks Government. Both the Liberal and National parties have already expressed serious concerns with the radical plan. Their combined numbers would ensure the heroin trial legislation was defeated in the lower house. Premier Steve Bracks, who ruled out pushing ahead with injecting rooms without legislation, appealed to Opposition MPs to back the trial. "I'd ask them to reconsider," he said. "I'd be disappointed if the other political parties or the independents didn't see it as a comprehensive proposal but wanted to pick and choose from it. "Almost 100 people have died this year from heroin overdoses already ... I'm not going to stand by as Premier and just let that happen." But Mr Savage described heroin injecting rooms as de facto legalisation of the drug. "How will the age of drug users be determined by those in control of safe injecting facilities?" he said. The government could not answer this question yesterday. A spokeswoman for Health Minister John Thwaites said details such as proof of age had not been settled. Mr Ingram said his gut feeling was that he would oppose the trial. "I do have some concerns about safe injecting rooms and the message it sends," he said. State National Party leader Peter Ryan expressed his hardline opposition yesterday. Mr Ryan signalled his party could pressure its Liberal partners to follow suit. "I think this is a further step towards the ultimate surrender, which is legalising heroin," he said. "It's an appalling message for young people." Liberal leader Denis Napthine said he had grave reservations about "such a radical social experiment". "I think Mr Bracks has got to explain to the community why he thinks it is OK to create a facility where people are encouraged to inject dangerous and illegal drugs into their bodies," he said. Dr Napthine said he would seek widespread consultation to test community feeling before committing to a position. He will also have to unite his party, with some pressing him to allow the plan to proceed while others, including Prime Minister John Howard, are vehemently opposed. The Benalla by-election on May 13 now looks set to be held amid fierce debate over the issue. But a win will not strengthen the government's chances of passing the legislation, with the Liberals' 24 MPs decisively ruling the upper house. The numbers in the lower house are ALP 42, independents 3, Liberal 36, Nationals 7. The government still has the support of Victoria's third independent MP, Ms Susan Davies, who promised not to oppose the trials if they were conducted with the support of local communities. Ms Davies said she had been assured the first priority would be more rehabilitation and detoxification services. One drug support group, Open Family Australia, yesterday challenged Mr Bracks to proceed without legislation, saying the government could be accused of setting up an easy escape route from its controversial commitment. - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk