Pubdate: Mon, 05 Dec 2005
Source: Sydney Morning Herald (Australia)
Copyright: 2005 The Sydney Morning Herald
Contact:  http://www.smh.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/441
Author: AAP
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone)

MCTAGGART OPENS HOSTEL FOR INSPECTION

Newly-elected independent MP for Pittwater Alex McTaggart says claims 
he is running an illicit drug house in Sydney's east are part of a 
political smear campaign.

The Sun-Herald newspaper reported yesterday that a Darlinghurst 
boarding house owned by Mr McTaggart was under surveillance by police 
targeting the supply of illicit drugs.

Mr McTaggart today opened the Palmer Street property to the media, 
saying it provided inexpensive accommodation for 30 men on low 
incomes, many of whom have drug problems and mental health issues.

The two-storey complex, which he and his wife, Denise, purchased in 
1997, provides the men with a bedroom, share kitchen, bathroom and 
courtyard, at a charge of $115 to $140 a week.

Mr McTaggart today said that, although he would not be taking legal 
action against The Sun-Herald, he would ask the paper to retract the 
allegations.

Mr McTaggart, who is also Pittwater's mayor, said the paper had 
failed in its attempt to "smear" him following his win over the 
Liberals in the blue-ribbon seat just over a week ago.

"There is no on-going investigation, there is no surveillance and 
there is no top-10 list," Mr McTaggart said.

"It's really interesting that The Sun-Herald has me on page one, four 
and five, and they've got on page 28 the preselection loss with the Liberals.

"They've clearly used me to deflect the media away from the dumping 
of NSW Liberal Patricia Forsythe to [Matthew Mason] Cox.

"But this hasn't blemished my name because most people who read the 
article will clearly see it was farcical."

Boarding house manager David Hayes, 58, who has run the complex for 
seven years, said fresh claims that the house had been frantically 
cleaned up for the media were "false and ridiculous".

"This boarding house serves pensioners and people on benefits; it 
gives them a roof over their heads with clean rooms, clean beds and 
clean linen," Mr Hayes said.

"There is nothing dirty except for the claims against Alex [McTaggart].

"Drug use in this house is a load of hogwash."

Despite dealing with heroin addicts, drug-induced schizophrenics, 
alcoholics and gamblers, the boarding house does not receive 
government subsidies, Mr Hayes said.

"There is a small number who are on the methadone program; they are 
on it because they want to be off drugs and that's what this house is about."
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman