Inadequate drug policy

THERE is still no access to methadone for any new people who wish to access the program, making the NT the only jurisdiction in Australia that does not have an operational methadone program.

Although government policy hasn’t changed, there is no doctor to manage the program and no efforts are being made to locate one.

However, I sent out a nationwide advertisement calling for methadone prescribers and it seems a number are available and one is even in the NT.

Also, it seems that senior public servants are suggesting “well we have access to buprenorphine now, so why do we need to reinstate the methadone program?”.

I think that it is pretty scary when decisions about availability of treatments are based on which pharmaceutical company has the most efficient marketing team.

The new government may have repealed mandatory sentencing for property offences, however, drug users still face mandatory sentences under section 37 of the NT Misuse of Drugs Act.

Labor also promised to double the size of the drug squad, institute a curfew for young people, coupled with a Youth Night Patrol.

Have things really changed in the Territory?

Gary Meyerhoff
Rapid Creek

Newshawk: http://www.tuf.org.au
Pubdate: 20th February 2002
Source: Northern Territory News
Author: Gary Meyerhoff
Website: http://www.ntnews.com.au
Email: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au
Copyright: 2002 Northern Territory News