Pubdate: Thu, 11 Oct 2001 Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation (Australia Web) Copyright: 2001 Australian Broadcasting Corporation Contact: http://www.abc.net.au/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/34 ACT LIBS COMMIT TO POLL ON HEROIN PRESCRIPTION TRIAL The ACT Chief Minister, Gary Humphries, says a community plebiscite on new strategies for combating drug addiction could reset the national debate. The ACT Liberal Party is commiting $500,000 for a compulsory poll to test support for a drug injecting room and a heroin prescription trial. Mr Humphries says Prime Minister John Howard, remains the principal stumbling block. However, the Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Doctor Brendan Nelson, says the Federal Government could be swayed by force of public opinion. "The Prime Minister has made it clear that the Prime Minister and the Federal Government does not support a heroin trial whether its conducted in the ACT or any other part of Australia," he said. "But ultimately that's a matter for the people of the ACT." - --- MAP posted-by: Beth