Pubdate: Thu, 27 Apr 2000
Source: Ballarat Courier (Australia)
Contact:  110 Creswick Road, Ballarat
Website: http://www.thecourier.com.au/thecourier/

BATTLE ON DRUGS SHOULD CONCERN ALL

BALLARAT Mayor John Barnes' foray into the drugs debate was an interesting 
if controversial one, with the civic boss suggesting the Federal Government 
examine decriminailsing the use of heroin. It's not a new proposal. Many 
experts agree with Cr Barnes that prohibition has never worked and never 
will -- that to control the problem we need to deal with it under the 
umbrella of health services rather than in the criminal justice system.

Nevertheless, it was still a most candid response from Cr Barnes. And, 
while we don't agree with him, his statements will hopefully serve to make 
people realise it will take drastic and constant action to address this 
pressing community issue.

We said last week that we believe safe-injecting houses are worth a go, but 
that they must prove their worth beyond any doubt before they become the norm.

Decriminalising heroin, though, is a quantum leap. As a society, we cannot 
accept its illicit use -- and for that reason it must remain on the statute 
books as a criminal offence.

To decriminalise heroin would be to give the wrong message -- that heroin 
is safe to use. It would draw others to the drug and give it an almost 
state imprimatur. How could we then embark on education programs about the 
fatal consequences of drug addiction if people can legally use drugs such 
as heroin?

That doesn't mean we can't address the problems arising from heroin abuse 
in a more sensitive and intelligent manner -- and giving greater emphasis 
to education than prosecution.

Certainly, before we throw up our hands in surrender we need to consider 
better-equipping health units and professionals.

As a regional health centre, Ballarat, it would seem by recent reports, is 
under-resourced to help those wanting to break the cycle of drugs.

The battle against drugs will be a long, long campaign in which everyone 
should at least show an interest, from the Mayor down.
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