Pubdate: Thu, 18 Nov 1999 Source: Age, The (Australia) Copyright: 1999 David Syme & Co Ltd Contact: 250 Spencer Street, Melbourne, 3000, Australia Website: http://www.theage.com.au/ Author: Australian Associated Press ATTACK ON TV STAR'S DRUG JIBE Television's acerbic Judge Judy was callous and harmful in calling for heroin addicts to be given dirty needles to hasten their death, drug experts said today. Popular United States judge and television personality Judy Sheindlin was reported in Brisbane's Courier-Mail yesterday as saying that the debate about needle supply to heroin addicts was led by "liberal morons". She is reported to have said, to cheers from a Brisbane audience: "Give them all dirty needles and let them die." The Alcohol and Drug Foundation of Queensland's chief executive, Mr Bob Aldred, said her comments were "callous and deplorable". "The popular symbol of American justice has managed to devalue young lives without recognising the growing drug problem," Mr Aldred said. He said Australia ran a successful HIV/AIDS and hepatitis control program through needle exchange, and Judge Judy's comments had no regard for children or parents caught by addiction. "Even in a democratic society, the arrogance of a TV celebrity using the tragedy of young lives struck down by drugs for her own commercial gain is nothing short of repulsive," Mr Aldred said. Judge Judy left Brisbane on Tuesday and could not be reached for comment. She had been in town to promote her book, Beauty Fades, Dumb is Forever. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart