Vic: Oppn rejects govt s drugs legislation

AAP General News (Australia)
08-12-2000
Vic: Oppn rejects govt s drugs legislation

Victorian Premier STEVE BRACKS has vowed to press ahead with laws for a trial of heroin
injecting rooms, despite the Opposition's decision to reject the legislation.

The laws, which are due to be considered by state parliament in the upcoming Spring
session, require the support of Liberal Party MPs to pass through the Upper House.

But Opposition leader DENIS NAPTHINE says the Liberal Party will block the legislation
because it sends the wrong message to Victorians.

Mr BRACKS says the Liberal Party appears to have a preconceived view on injecting facilities.

Meanwhile, Victoria's chief drugs adviser, DAVID PENINGTON, has accused the Liberal
Party of playing politics by refusing to back the state government's plan.

Dr PENINGTON says the professional groups who deal with the drug problem in their day-to-day
operations have all come out in support of safe heroin injecting rooms.

AAP RTV jmw/wz/nf/et

KEYWORD: INJECT (MELBOURNE)

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