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Syringe vending machine plan
Kate Jones, medical reporter
08jun05
SYRINGE vending machines should be set up in Melbourne's drug hot-spots to provide clean needles to addicts, a drug support network has proposed.
The controversial plan has been mooted by taxpayer-funded drug support network Anex, the Association for Prevention and Harm Reduction Programs Australia.
Speaking at a drugs conference yesterday, Anex chief executive John Ryan said vending machines would give drug users after-hours access to sterile syringes.
"The evidence is, dispensing machines are effective strategy in providing access to injecting equipment when no other options are available," he said. "They would also lower the risk of HIV transmission and hepatitis C transmission."
Mr Ryan said there was no proof that syringe vending machines encouraged people to use drugs or increased drug use in those already addicted to illegal substances.
Compared with other treatment techniques, vending machines would be an inexpensive service, he said. Needles would cost $2 each, while the 1m-tall machines came to about $10,000, he said.
Mr Ryan said two to three machines should be introduced at locations such as hospitals and drug addiction treatment centres, as part of a trial program in Melbourne.
Victoria is one of the last states in Australia to introduce syringe vending machines.
They were introduced in NSW 12 years ago, in Adelaide 10 years ago, and a year ago in the ACT. Trials of five machines began in Queensland two months ago.
Mr Ryan said Anex had discussed the proposal with the Department of Human Services, but the plan had met with opposition.
A spokesman for Health Minister Bronwyn Pike said one-to-one contact with illicit drug users was a better option than the machines.
The proposal received mixed community reaction.
Bioethicist Dr Nicholas Tonti-Filippini criticised needle vending machines as a risky option.
"We have to ensure the machines exclude access by children because of problems with the syringes. They are potentially weapons," he said. "I can't imagine a council or any responsible body taking it up because of the legal risk."
Police Association assistant secretary Bruce McKenzie said needle dispensers could create more work for police.
Opposition health spokesman David Davis said research was needed into syringe vending machines and their community impact.
"Without clear and persuasive evidence, there is a risk it could send the wrong message," Mr Davis said.
However, the plan won support from the Australia National Council on Drugs, a Federal Government organisation working to reduce the impact of drugs on the community.
Executive officer Gino Vumbaca said areas such as St Kilda might benefit from vending machines.
Vicar General of the Melbourne Archdiocese, Les Tomlinson, said needle dispensers would not win the fight against drugs but could help.
From: http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,15545137%5E2862,00.html
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