Pro-drug group may enter polls

Darwin-based pro drug use group, the Network Against Prohibition (NAP) will consider entering candidates in the next NT general election.

The group will be discussing the possibility of entering the polls when it meets with other drug activists at its inaugural International Drug Action Conference beginning in Darwin on Sunday.

NAP spokeswoman Nicolette Burrows said she expected people from all around Australia plus the United Kingdom and Thailand to attend.

"The NT has some of the most draconian drug laws in Australia and our two major political parties are bipartisan on drugs.

"We could stand candidates in every seat but we'll be talking about whether it's worth the money and the effort," Ms Burrows said. Also on the agenda would be forming a drug union, international days of protest, what actions have worked and what hasn't, drug laws and other processes activists can use, she said.

"We need to talk openly about drug issues and be pragmatic, the community has its head in the sand."

In conjunction with the conference, NAP is running the Second Darwin Internationnal Syringe Festival.

Smoke-in

Festival events will include a "smoke-in" at Raintree Park and rally outside Parliament House on Saturday September 27.

We are applying for a permit for events where we have to, we haven't had any problems since last October," Ms Burrows said.

Other events include an art exhibition, dance party and dinner on Tuesday at which the NAP "Needle Queen" will be announced.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: 17th September 2003
Source: The Darwin Sun
Author: Liz Conway
Website: http://www.thedarwinsun.com