Sniffing scourge

The Territory Coroner was yesterday urged to investigate 19 deaths in Central Australia which are believed to be caused by petrol sniffing.

The coroner's office confirmed it will hold an inquest into petrol sniffing in June next year.

But a youth service wants this inquiry expanded to include all 19 suspected deaths from petrol sniffing in Central Australia in recent years.

The Central Australian Youth Link Up Service (CAYLUS) said six young sniffers had died in the past year.

Service Co-ordinator Tristan Ray said such an inquest could look at the wider issues of petrol sniffing, its causes and possible solutions.

"Coronials provide a mechanism that can look at the structural issues behind petrol sniffing and can make recommendations that are enforceable," he said.

"They also provided answers for grieving families.

"Families also see it as a tool…to move things forward so their other kids don't die in the same way."

The NT Coroner will consider the request when he returns from regional court sittings next week.

Acting deputy coroner Brenda Monaghan said there were three sniffing-related deaths before the coroner's office.

"There will also be an inquiry into petrol sniffing next year," she said.

CAYLUS said the 19 deaths had occurred since the previous NT inquest into petrol sniffing in 1998.

The call comes ahead of the South Australian coroner this week investigating the deaths of four petrol sniffers in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara lands in South Australia's north.

A recent NT parliamentary report found the number of ex-sniffers needing full-time institutional care would jump from 15 to 60 within a decade, costing $9 million per year.

The NT Government last month announced sweeping new laws to fight petrol sniffing, and $10 million for treatment programs and services.

The push included new powers for police to confiscate inhalants, to take sniffers to a safe place, and for compulsory treatment programs.

Newshawk: Fiona Clarke
Pubdate: 24th November 2004
Source: Northern Territory News
Author: Karen Michelmore
Website: http://www.ntnews.com.au
Email: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au
Copyright: 2004 Northern Territory News