Pubdate: Sun, 17 Dec 2000
Source: Sun Herald (Australia)
Copyright: 2000 John Fairfax Holdings Ltd
Contact:  http://www.sunherald.com.au/
Author: Michael Robinson

SHOOT TO KILL

THIS nonsense about medical supervision of heroin use in "shooting 
galleries" has gone too far.

Anyone concerned about constitutional stability should have realised by now 
that under Section 109 of the Constitution the State has no authority to do 
anything with or to a prohibited import such as heroin.  Under the Federal 
Customs Act, heroin is the property of the Commonwealth and all police and 
customs officers are required to seize it. State legislation in conflict 
with that is unconstitutional and invalid, and relevant regulations illegal.

Church groups should be leading the way for rehabilitation, not leading the 
needy further into addiction.

Above all, customs should be restructured to ensure that our borders are 
properly and effectively protected, and supply of such drugs halted. 
Barring bureaucratic meddling, such a goal is achievable.

Lastly, there must be at least one person in the Federal Government who 
understands the previous statements, and has some concern for our Constitution.

MICHAEL ROBINSON
Huristone Park
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