NEEDLE EXCHANGE: STILL NO DECISION, STILL NO LEADERSHIP

 

Katy Gallagher is yet to announce her decision on whether a needle exchange will be established at the Alexander Maconochie Centre, despite assuring the staff, prisoners and the community that she would do so by the end of 2011. ACT Shadow Corrections Minister Jeremy Hanson said today this is indicative of Katy Gallaghers lack of leadership and failure to stand by her convictions, and is causing uncertainty for staff.

 

The staff who would be responsible for administering the needle exchange oppose it. Prisoners oppose it and have said they are unlikely to use it, and the CPSU which represents prison staff also oppose it, Mr Hanson said today.

 

The Canberra Liberals fully support the frontline staff who would administer this program and who rightly raise personal safety risks among a range of issues associated with a possible needle exchange.

 

While I certainly hope Katy Gallagher has finally seen sense and listened to these serious concerns, she must now show leadership and announce her decision and end the uncertainly.