Heroin problem needs our support including injecting rooms

By Letters to the Editor
Updated November 1 2017 - 8:20am, first published 8:03am

Problem needs our support

I write to congratulate Premier Daniel Andrews, his cabinet, Fiona Patten from the Reason Party, and the Greens for their support for the introduction of a safe injecting-room trial in Richmond. Premier Andrews, whilst initially not supporting a trial, has shown true leadership, compassion and empathy by being prepared to change his view, and I offer further congratulations to him for appointing former premier Jeff Kennett as chair to oversee this vital trial. Sadly, there are some who do not understand the tragedy of addiction, which is a major health issue not just in Melbourne but also in regional Victoria and, yes, is on our own doorstep in Ballarat. People addicted to drugs need our support. This action by the Andrews State Government will go a long way to saving lives. The scourge of illegal drugs has reached epidemic proportions in Australia, particularly with "ice", producing untold misery for many addicts and their families. Consequently, the government will introduce tougher penalities for drug traffickers. We all know that drug use doesn't discriminate in our communities. Illicit drug-taking has permeated all Ievels of society from the well-heeled families to the socially disadvantaged who are homeless on the street. I detest drugs and drug crime and the tragic waste of human life that is the end result of these activities. I have seen beautiful souls destroyed by drugs and the consequent misery that has caused their family and friends. The issue of drugs is complex, but it is a serious problem that must be tackled no matter the cost. We must act now to further create and support initiatives to rid our country of this scourge so as to create a positive, healthy future for our society and provide effective rehabilitation for addicts to re-engage and contribute to community life. Ron Egeberg, Soldiers Hill

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