LL:Report from the first meeting of the group Community Campaign for Heroin Reform

[Wayne Anthony Geerling]

On Wednesday 5th May, about 35 people met at Trades Hall Council in
Carlton to discuss the issue of legalised heroin trials in Victoria. The
meeting was called by the Militant Socialist Organisation (MSO), though it
was decided on the night that a community based action group - Community
Campaign for Heroin Reform (CCHR) -  would be established to galvanise 
coommunity support and act as a pressure group to influence government 
policy on the issue.

After a brief intorduction from Steven Jolly, the meeting was thrown open
to general discussion. Half an hour of lively debate proceeded, resulting
in the adoption of the following proposals/demands for the group:

* more rehabilitation places for heroin addicts
* a more balanced approach to education about drugs (for users and the
wider community)
* safe injecting houses for heroin users
* free heroin trials
* increased use of needle exchanges

In order to help define clear policy guidelines, establish a working
policy for the campaign and get input from the community, two 
sub-committees were set up on the night.

1. Safe Injecting Rooms: tasks include finding a suitable venue, exploring
the various legal issues and detailing the costs of running a centre.

2. Fundraising: the first task for this group is the promotion of the next
public rally in support of free heroin trials to be held at 5pm on 28 May 
in  Smith Street, Collingwood (outside Safeway). Other duties include
raising money for an ongoing campaign and increasing community awareness.

It was agreed that each subcommittee should meet in the next two weeks,
work on the relevant issues and report back to the group at the next
meeting of CCHR at 7pm on Wednesday 19th May at Trades Hall Council,
Carlton.

Regards

Wayne Geerling


LL.VE

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