NSW: Four months to determine success of heroin shooting room

AAP General News (Australia)
12-02-1999
NSW: Four months to determine success of heroin shooting room

The success or failure of Australia's first heroin shooting gallery could be determined
in as little as four months.

DON WEATHERBURN, the director of the New South Wales Bureau of Crime Statistics and
Research, says it will be clear very early if the injecting room attracts heroin dealers.

Some critics of the project claim the injecting room will attract dealers, as users
are required to bring their own heroin.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics will monitor the controversial 18-month trial,
to discover if dealers' trade increases and the impact on the surrounding community.

The Bureau's review won't monitor whether the injecting room results in fewer overdose deaths.

The Uniting Church has taken on the troubled project following the pullout of both
the Sisters of Charity, at the order of the Vatican, and the University of NSW.

The decision has already divided the Church.

AAP RTV jw/sb/tso/jn/tso/as<

KEYWORD: HEROIN HONEYPOT (SYDNEY)

1999 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.