Pubdate: Wed, 19 Jul 2006
Source: Herald Sun (Australia)
Copyright: 2006 Herald and Weekly Times
Contact:  http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/187
Author: Ben Packham and Ashley Gardiner

HEROIN POLICY 'LOOPY'

THE Federal Government would stop any moves to supply heroin to 
addicts under a plan put forward by the Australian Greens.  Labelling 
the Greens' policy unworkable, federal Health Minister Tony Abbott 
said the Government would never allow importing heroin for addicts.

Mr Abbott said the policy was "loopy stuff" and called on the State 
Government to make it clear it would not deal with the party.

The Greens want to provide free heroin to long-term users, create 
injecting rooms across Victoria, and scrap penalties for drug possession.

Premier Steve Bracks has rejected the plan.

Victorian Greens health spokesman Richard Di Natale said he was not 
surprised by Mr Abbott's opposition to the policy.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman