Non-sniff fuel spurs addicts on to Katherine: MP

The introduction of unsniffable Opal petrol into remote Indigenous communities is pushing petrol sniffers into Katherine, according to a Northern Territory MP.

Member for Katherine Fay Miller has told the Territory's Parliament that a growing number of sniffers had appeared in the town in the last two weeks to get their hands on unleaded petrol.

Ms Miller argued that replacing unleaded petrol with the vapourless alternative has the same effect as banning alcohol in remote communities.

She said addicts simply move to the nearest town where they can get their drug of choice.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: Thur, 25 August 2005
Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation (Australia Web)
Email: comments@your.abc.net.au
Copyright: 2005 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Website: http://www.abc.net.au/