Appeal launched to relocate drug refugees

An appeal has been launched by the Network Against Prohibition (NAP-NT) and Dr Henry Pang to raise the necessary funds to relocate 40 patients to the Southern States of Australia.

The Medical Board NT has ruled that it has no jurisdiction over the conduct of the NT Chief Health Officer. Health Minister Jane Aagaard informed ABC radio this morning that Dr Pang has the responsibility of referring the patients on.

The only service available to these people is withdrawal through the service located at Royal Darwin Hospital. This is utterly inadequate and inappropriate.

NAP and Dr Pang hope to raise funds to assist some of the 40 S8 patients to relocate interstate, and assist them to relocate their children and partners etc.

NAP spokesperson Gary Meyerhoff said “The CLP government had a policy of one way bus tickets for drug users. The ALP policy is slightly different, but it seems to be more effective at driving drug users out of the Northern Territory.”

“This attack on the human rights of Dr Pang’s patients coupled with today’s commencement of drug house legislation, shows that the failed “War on Drugs” is alive and well in the NT.”

Dr Pang has pledged to contribute the first amount to the fund being $1000. NAP has pledged $100 to the appeal.

Organisations and individuals around Australia are urged to contribute to the fund.

Donations can be made at any branch of the Australian Central Credit Union into the Network Against Prohibition Account, BSB 805-050 Account No. 61716566 Account name – Network Against Prohibition NT. Call 0415 16 2525 for further info.