Network Against Prohibition (NAP) hopeful of resolution in S8 scandal

Members of the Network Against Prohibition are hopeful that the emergency faced by the 40 S8 patients of Dr Henry Pang will be resolved today at a meeting of the Medical Board of the NT.

The Medical Board is expected to deal with a complaint regarding the conduct of the NT Chief Health Officer, Doctor Shirley Hendy. The complaint, submitted by NAP, alleges that the Chief Health Officer has acted with a lack of care and judgement and that she is guilty of unprofessional conduct.

The complaint relates to the prohibition of Dr Henry Pang’s license to prescribe Schedule 8 drugs with only two weeks notice. Dr Pang’s forty patients have been left in the lurch with no access to any opiate maintenance treatment and the only option being detoxification and withdrawal.

NAP spokesperson Gary Meyerhoff said “the Medical Board needs to act on this issue. Dr Pang needs to have his S8 license restored to enable him to treat his patients to the best of his knowledge and ability.”

“In the medium term, the NT Government needs to move away from the zero tolerance approach to illicit drugs. Drugs are a social issue and a health issue, not a criminal or legal one.”

“Dr Hendy and Dr Pang would not be in this position if the Labor party hadn’t dragged its feet on the issue of pharmacotherapies for dependent drug users. Government interference has forced both Doctors to the wall on this issue.”

For further information call Gary on 0415 16 2525 or view the following websites:

http://napnt.tripod.com

www.henrypang.info

Network Against Prohibition (NAP) to continue campaign against the “War on Drugs” and draconian

Members of the Network Against Prohibition (NAP) have vowed to continue their struggle against the draconian drug house legislation, coming into effect this week.

NAP was established in March this year as a response to the zero tolerance approach to illicit drugs being undertaken by the new Labor government in the NT.

NAP has undertaken a number of actions and events since its inception, including three community smoke-ins, the peaceful occupation of the parliament and a number of other demonstrations.

More than a dozen NAP members have been charged with various offences relating to these demonstrations and there are currently 4 separate cases before the courts. A number of NAP members are facing a maximum of 3 years gaol for the parliament house occupation. Despite this, members of NAP are not deterred by these charges and will continue a campaign of militant direct action, whilst raising community awareness of the impact the “War on Drugs” is having on the world’s youth and on our community.

NAP has also collected over 500 signatures on a petition calling on the NT Labor Government to scrap the drug house legislation and to implement the full range of treatment options for dependent drug users.

NAP’s campaign to rid the Territory of draconian drug laws will continue with the 1st Darwin International Syringe Festival, 3rd to 14th of August, a 12 day demonstration against the “drug house” laws and the government’s zero tolerance approach.

The Syringe Festival will include the 4th community smoke-in at Raintree Park on the 10th of August at 12 noon. These events will continue monthly.

For further information, contact Gary on 0415 16 2525 or see http://napnt.tripod.com

40 dependent opiate users face life without treatment

The situation faced by the 40 s8 patients of Dr Henry Pang continues to be desperate. There has been no action from the government to date, except that patients have been told to be assessed for buprenorphine withdrawal through the hospital.

One of the other patients has been taken on by another GP, who is forcing the women to reduce her dose.

The pending release of the Ministerial Taskforce on Illicit Drugs Report is the only possible light at the end of the tunnel. Unfortunately, the health minister has already told the media that the funding may not be available for all of the recommendations of the taskforce.

Despite this, $800,000 has just been allocated to the NT police to tap the phones of "drug dealers."

Drug user activists are extremely alarmed at the prospect that Labor won't be living up to their election promise of the full range of pharmacotherapies for dependent users being made available.

NAP spokesperson Gary Meyerhoff said “We are extremely concerned that Doctor Pang's 40 patients will be without medication after the 2nd of August when their last prescription from Dr Pang will run out.”

“We urge the NT Government to step in and re-instate Dr Pang’s s8 license immediately. This will enable him to service his 40 patients and give them some more time before the NT Government establishes an adequate level of treatment and care to these people.”

NAP has complained to the Medical Board NT about the conduct of the Chief Health Officer, who prohibited Dr Pang from prescribing schedule 9 drugs. This complaint is expected to be mentioned at the Board’s Wednesday meeting.

For further information, contact Gary on 0415 16 2525 or see http://napnt.tripod.com

All aboard for the Syringe

Darwin meets wonderland in just over a weeks time with the launch of the inaugural Darwin International Syringe Festival bringing a feast for lovers of all things psychedelic, hallucinogenic and mind altering as well as things visual, filmic, funny, musical and theatrical.

The Syringe Festival – running from August 3 to August 14 – includes a Syringe Art visual art exhibition, a movie marathon night, dance party, picnics and a poetry reading, plus some special events.

Highlights

Although there’s something for everyone, a few early tips for “not to be missed” events include the community smoke-in in Raintree Park on August 10 and the opening picnic at the Treehouse at Darwin’s Botannical Gardens on August 3.

Darwin’s syringe artistes will display their work in the Smith Street Mall from the 6th to the 8th of August and drug inspired poets will gather on the banks of Lake Alexander for the live and uncensored “Clare Martin’s Bush Poetry Reading and TeaParty on August 12.”

A demonstration/wake/celebration?

The Syringe Festival aims to address issues surrounding the current state of drug legislation in the Northern Territory and provide outlets of expression for IV drug users and people whose lives have been affected by the War on Drugs.

Festival coordinator Nicolette Naxalite said “ we hope to increase community awareness of the impact that prohibition has on the health and wellbeing of our community. The syringe festival will also allow for a celebration of drug culture, enabling people to get involved in the struggle to end the War on Drugs on a number of different levels.”

For further information or to arrange an interview call Nicolette or Gary on 0415 16 2525 or checkout the Syringe Festival Calender of events at

http://napnt.tripod.com/pages/Syringe-Festival.a.htm

Submission to Darwin Magistrate’s Court Re: Alleged Trespass at Parliament House. 18th - July - 2002.

The members of our groups - NAP (Network Against Prohibition) and PARIAH - (People Against Racism In Aboriginal Homelands) - facing charges, wish to submit the following points.

1. The Court is reminded that we are representing ourselves and that latitude is extended to such in Court.

2. A request for the tapes of the alleged Trespass in Parliament has been rejected by Magistrate Lowndes.

3. No grounds were cited for this refusal of primary evidence to Defendants facing serious charges.

4. Our representative also made Magistrate Lowndes aware of a recent precedent involving precisely the same request for a video tape in front of Magistrate Luppino. A successful request.

5. This legal precedent was dismissed by Magistrate Lowndes as being of no consequence.

6. A viewing of the tape was arranged for our representative at Darwin Public Prosecutions. So there are no Parliamentary impediments to our actually viewing the tapes.

However this is unsatisfactory for a number of reasons...

7. On an earlier occasion when submitting a complaint to Police, our representative Gary Meyerhoff was searched in the Police Station.

8. Unless this is common practice when members of the Public complain of Police brutality, such behaviour can only be seen as a misuse of Police powers..

9. The NT Police force facing complaints of Assault by our members, has a history of harassing Complainants with political affiliations. Some of whom are Defendants and/or members of NAP and PARIAH.

10. We submit http://www.country-liberal-party.com and http://napnt.tripod.com as evidence relating to such Police behaviour and would suggest our publicizing such matters, explains much of the harassment we receive from the NT Police.

More details will follow…

11. Suffice to say, there are very cogent reasons why our people are reluctant to enter Police Stations or the Public Prosecutions, or indeed have any contact with NT Police at all, away from the Public eye.

12. These matters clearly inhibit our examination of primary evidence. Essentially they do not allow a prepared presentation of the Defence case to be mounted, using the tapes.

13. The Police tape is not original and the copies have been altered. There are four tapes of the alleged offence in Parliament, yet these tapes have been “cobbled together” as one.

14. Obviously we were requesting copies of the original tapes, not an ‘edited’ version by a Police force facing Assault charges and as already mentioned, one “attempting to intimidate and harass our members…”

15. That we have a right to copy the original tapes and view them in a venue that allows us the same advantages for examination and presentation as our Prosecutors, would seem a reasonable presumption, borne out by the precedent submitted to and rejected by Magistrate Lowndes.

16. We would remind the Court that a young female was kicked while supine by Detective Bert Hofer in Parliament and that he is facing Assault charges. The victim was also groped about the breasts by a male Security Guard. The Police are now claiming that the young female is guilty of Assault. A claim made weeks after the initial event. Once again we are unable to view the original tapes despite these new charges.

17. Until we are given a reason as to why we are not permitted to copy the original tapes and why a legal precedent was simply ignored by Magistrate Lowndes - we are unable to proceed in this matter.

18. The Defence needs these matters resolved, in order to argue or appeal the decision to with-hold primary evidence. The altered tape the Police have in their possession is not even one of the four tapes we wish to copy and view.

19. We would hope that this more detailed submission, results in the original tapes (Property of the Court) being made available for copying at a time convenient to all involved.

20. We also request that the Court explain why floppy discs of transcripts are not made available, as well as the usual prohibitively expensive documentation.

Everyone should have equal access to the means to defend themselves in Court.

Mick Lambe

Coordinator PARIAH: People Against Racism In Aboriginal Homelands

On behalf of the Defendants in this matter.

Darwin’s 3rd “Smoke-Up for Human Rights” a success...

...on to the

1st Darwin International Syringe Festival

“Smoke-up for Human Rights 3” has been declared a success by event organisers. More than 200 people participated in the event which included speakers on the drug house laws and the lack of drug treatment options in the NT, a free Christmas lunch, Santa and a 1.4 metre joint.

Participants enjoyed a celebration type atmosphere, toking on joints and sampling some of the hemp inspired culinary delights on offer.

NAP Coordinator Gary Meyerhoff said “the success of the event indicates the level of dissent that there is in the community when it comes to Labor’s zero tolerance approach to illicit drug users.”

“Many people would agree that to reduce drug related harms we need to end the War on Drugs and do away with the prohibition of currently illicit drugs.”

“Clare Martin is showing comtempt for the ordinary Territorian and their views.”

Ms Martin used parliamentary privilege to declare NAP an offensive organization. Mr Meyerhoff said “she doesn’t know just how offensive we can be.”

NAP members are now gearing up for the inaugural Darwin International Syringe Festival, being held in Darwin from the 3rd to the 14 of August.

The Syringe Festival will aim to highlight the impact of prohibition and zero tolerance policing on the health and wellbeing of drug users and their families, whilst also acting as a celebration of drug culture.

The Festival will feature a range of events including an opening picnic in the Botannical Gardens, a “Syringe Art” exhibition in the Smith St Mall, Sausage sizzles, an overnight movie marathon, Dance Party and a closing party at the Darwin Magistrates Court. “Smoke-up for Human Rights 4”, featuring a syringe costume competition and drug Olympics, will be held on August the 10th, 12 noon, Raintree Park and will be a culmination of the week of events leading up to it.

NAP member Ema Corro said “Many ordinary Territorians find Labor’s intolerance of illicit drug users as offensive. The Darwin International Syringe Festival is another opportunity for them to express their concerns.”

For further info contact the crew on 0415 16 2525 or email

darwinsyringefestival@yahoo.com

Opportunity for Darwin community to express their concerns at Labor’s pending “Drug House” Legislation

The Darwin community will get another opportunity to express their concerns at the pending “Drug House” legislation, recently passed through the NT Parliament by the NT ALP. Darwin’s third smoke-in of this millennium “Smoke-up for Human Rights 3” will be held in Darwin’s Raintree Park, in the heart of the Darwin CBD at 12 noon this Saturday, 13th July.

Labor’s drug laws will be signed off by the NT Administrator within a matter of weeks, making it law in the Northern Territory. Police are still undecided about the size of the sign that people will have put out the front of their houses but this is expected to be resolved soon.

NAP Coordinator Gary Meyerhoff said “there is considerable concern in the community about these laws. More than 600 people have signed a petition calling on the government to scrap the legislation."

The petition also calls for the full range of pharmacotherapies to be available to dependent drug users.

This month’s “Smoke-up for Human Rights” will have a Christmas in July theme, with a free Christmas lunch, Santa and presents for the children. There will also be a 1.4 metre joint, in defiance of the NT government’s zero tolerance approach to drug users.

Local band FatherMotherChild will headline the day, supported by other local artists including Freedom. Darwin drag identity Miss Naomi and other performers will also take to the stage. Speakers will include Gary Meyerhoff, the coordinator of NAP, Col Friel, a veteran activist and Dr Henry Pang.

For further information call 0415 16 2525 or see http://napnt.tripod.com

XMAS IN JULY

3rd Community smoke-in for Human Rights

Darwin’s third “Smoke-up for Human Rights” will be held on Saturday the 13th of July at 12 Noon in Raintree Park.

“Smoke-up for Human Rights” is now a monthly event, part of the campaign against the “War on Drugs” in the Northern Territory. July’s smoke-in will focus on the pending “Drug House” legislation and the lack of treatments for dependent opiate users in the Northern Territory.

The event will feature Santa Claus and his little helpers, presents for the children, free xmas lunch, local bands, speakers and a 1.4 metre joint.

Event co-organiser Gary Meyerhoff said “we hope more and more people will start coming to the smoke-ins, especially after the police backed down at the second event. However, a lot of people are still concerned that the police may take similar action as the brutal attack on activists at the second smoke-in (20th April).”

“The NT Labor government need to be shown that they do not have community support for their zero tolerance offensive on illicit drugs and illicit drug users. People can do this by coming to Raintree park and sharing a joint or a bong, or just coming along for a feed, to hear the music or to hear people speak.”

For further info call Gary or Ema on 0415 16 2525 or email napnt@yahoo.com

http://napnt.tripod.com http://www.country-liberal-party.com

HUMAN RIGHTS EMERGENCY continues

NT Government fails to provide adequate treatment services to opiate users

At close of business Friday 5th of July, the NT Government had still failed to intervene in a disastrous situation faced by 40 dependent opiate users in the Northern Territory of Australia.

As of Monday 8th July, their treating doctor, Henry Pang, will be unable to prescribe opiate based drugs. This prohibition, put in place by NT Chief Health Officer Dr Shirley Hendy will have a serious impact on the health and wellbeing of these people.

The Department of Health and Community Services has failed to provide an adequate alternative for the 40. Options put forward by the department include:

• Accessing withdrawal services at the Royal Darwin Hospital This is a totally inadequate solution to the problem. Many of the 40 opiate users have been using opiates for more than one and sometimes two decades. Many have tried detoxification and withdrawal on a number of occasions with limited success.

The NT government is arguing that the drug Buprenorphine is available during the withdrawal procedure. This drug may work for some people but it is not a magic bullet. NT doctors have received only 2 days training in the use of the drug, and when mixed with valium or other benzodiazepenes, can result in fatal consequences.

Withdrawal is not maintenance. Maintenance is the treatment provided currently Dr Henry Pang and a handful of other GPs, where dependent opiate users have access to a regular, sustained dose of a particular opiate based drug, enabling them to get on with their lives.

• Being referred to another GP Only a handful of GPs are prescribing s8 drugs in the NT. 7 doctors have been persecuted by authorities for prescribing the drug and doctors are reluctant to accept new s8 patients. The majority of practices in the NT carry signs – “s8 drugs not prescribed here”, to keep opiate dependent people from accessing the service. It is extremely unlikely that all 40 people will be able to access the 4 GPs (out of 90 in Darwin) who are still prescribing s8 drugs.

• Having surgery Despite waiting lists for elective surgery in the public health system. Operations for chronic back pain can have major consequences for people involved.

None of the options include maintenance treatment with opiate based drugs. NAP has demanded that the NT Government establish a clinic that will provide maintenance treatment to opiate dependent persons. (NAOMI – North Australian Opiate Medication Initiative.)

NAP will hold a rally outside the NT parliament house on Monday 8th of July at 12 noon.

For more information call 0415 16 2525 or email napnt@yahoo.com or see

http://napnt.tripod.com/pages/Articles_19.htm and http://www.henrypang.info/s8.htm

Drug Law Reform activists occupy NT Chief Health Officer’s Darwin office

6 members of the Network Against Prohibition have today peacefully occupied the office of NT Chief Health Officer Dr Shirley Hendy. Hendy is responsible for the situation faced by 40 dependent opiate users who will be unable to access opiate based drugs for treatment from July 8th.

The Network Against Prohibition has demanded that Dr Hendy resign immediately, and that the NT Government establish a clinic that will provide a range of opiate based drugs to opiate dependent Territorians.

Today’s action was taken to highlight this draconian human rights abuse. NAP members occupied the office shortly after 12.30 (AEST). Department of Health and Community Services staff could not provide an adequate response to our demands.

The 6 left the building after being asked to do so by a member of the NT Police Service.

Human rights activists and drug law reform activists are gearing up for an international day of action for the Darwin 40 on Monday the 8th of July, and will continue to campaign around this issue.

NAP Coordinator Gary Meyerhoff said “there seems to be a hidden agenda here, it appears that the NT Labor Government is continuing the CLP policy of running opiate users out of the Northern Territory. Dr Pang is the seventh doctor that has been persecuted because of this issue.”

For further information contact Gary or Ema on 0415 16 2525.

North Australian Opiate Medication Initiative

HUMAN RIGHTS EMERGENCY 3: Dependent opiate users desperately need North Australian Opiate Medication Initiative (NAOMI)

The situation for the 40 patients of Doctor Henry Pang clearly shows the need for an opiate medication initiative in the Northern Territory. The NT Government has the facilities, the staff and the pharmaceutical drugs available, all that is required is the will to allow dependent users to be prescribed opiate based drugs.

A 3 day a week clinic would be an ideal option for these 40 patients and other dependent opiate users who have been effected by the NT Chief Health Officer’s draconian stance on this issue. The clinic could provide a range of opiate based drugs to patients, including morphine, pethidine and methadone.

Some dependent users would benefit greatly from a heroin trial here in the Northern Territory, although that can not be made available without the approval of the Federal Government. The Network Against Prohibition demands that the NT Government immediately establish a North Australian Opiate Medication initiative that would be able to provide an adequate standard of care to Dr Pang’s patients and other dependent opiate users.

In the immediate future, NAP would like to see NAOMI as an integrated part of a comprehensive plan for the support of people with opiate and other drug dependencies, that would include residential and non-residential detox programmes, abstinence based services and appropriate peer based personal support organizations.

NAP Coordinator Gary Meyerhoff said “at the moment, a small number of drug users have access to buprenorphine only, the methadone program is inaccessible to drug users and the detox unit remains closed.”

Many dependent opiate users have been forced to switch to the relatively unproven drug buprenorphine. NAP members are concerned that this unknown drug is being used by the NT Government despite the evidence supporting the use of methadone and other opiate based drugs with opiate dependent people.

“It is alarming that the extensive marketing conducted by Reckitt Benkiser, makers of buprenorphine, appears to have been extremely successful from the company’s point of view. Large numbers of Territorians are now being transferred from safe and well known drugs to buprenorphine.”

NAP demands that the NT Government step in to establish the NAOMI program in the NT.

For more information call 0415 16 2525 or email napnt@yahoo.com