NATS SLAM GREENS DRUG POLICIES

The Greens policy to create heroin shooting galleries and decriminalise other illicit drugs has been slammed as 'an irresponsible social experiment' by The Nationals.

The Nationals Upper House Leader Peter Hall says the policy is a clear demonstration that the Greens are not ready to play a responsible role in developing legislation for the Victorian community.

"This is a clear demonstration that rural and regional Victoria should be very afraid of the Greens achieving the balance of power in the Upper House," Mr Hall said.

"The Greens want to import heroin for drug users and at the same time remove all criminal penalties for personal drug use.

"It sends an appalling message to young Victorians that it's OK to use illicit substances. It's typical of the Greens - they don't want you shooting a gun to kill foxes but you can shoot your body full of heroin."

Leader of The Nationals Peter Ryan says his party will continue to adopt a hard line stance on illicit drug use and would fight against the Greens policies.

"If The Nationals are in a position where we hold the balance of power after the November state election, I promise country Victorians that we will oppose any softening of our drug laws," Mr Ryan said.

"You don't fix the drug problem by just giving in and slapping people on the wrist or handing out free heroin as proposed by the Greens.

"The Greens are totally out of step with the majority of people in country Victoria who are very concerned about illicit drug use and the associated crime levels."

The Nationals Member for North-West Province Damian Drum last month called for the use of more police resources, including sniffer dogs to crack down on illicit drug use in regional areas.

"There's no such thing as recreational drugs and these so-called party drugs have the potential to do enormous harm to our young people," Mr Drum said.

"I am stunned that the Greens are talking about softening our drug policies at a time when country Victorian families are doing everything they can to keep their kids away from the harmful impacts of illegal drugs.

"Strict law enforcement is part of the solution to the drug problem along with improved education and constant vigilance as a community.

"We're not going to win the war against drugs by meekly surrendering in the manner proposed by the Greens."

Media contact: Peter Hall (03) 5174 7066 or 0427 747 066