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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 10 Hansard (18 October) . . Page.. 3242 ..

3. The only current course of instruction considered suitable for people applying to supply syringes, at the moment, is the training conducted by Assisting Drug Dependents Incorporated (ADDInc). The Department of Health and Community Care has contracted with ADDInc to provide this training. The course provides training about appropriate health counselling and the hygienic distribution, use, collection and disposal of syringes. The training, also includes a cardio-pulmonary resuscitation component provided by an accredited provider. It should also be noted that the Commonwealth Government, through its Tough on Drugs campaign is developing nationally accredited training programs for all Needle and Syringe Programs and for Pharmacists. The ACT is working with the Commonwealth in the development of these programs.

4. All 81 persons, who have been given approval to distribute syringes, have undertaken such courses.

5. As outlined in question 4 above, all those currently approved and requiring training have attended training. Therefore, this question is not applicable.

6. To determine whether a person applying for an approval or renewal of an approval to distribute syringes is a 'fit and proper person', the Chief Health Officer determines that the applicant works, either in a paid or voluntary capacity, for a needle and syringe program outlet.

7. Nil applicants for approval or renewal of an approval have been refused on the basis that they were not 'fit and proper persons'. As previously stated, under the Drugs of Dependence Act 1989, an applicant's approval shall remain in force, unless sooner cancelled, for a period of 12 months.

8. Based on the answer to question 7 above, this question is not applicable.

9. Nil persons have had their approval to distribute syringes cancelled on the basis that they ceased to be a 'fit and proper person'.

10. Based on the answer to question 9 above, this question is not applicable.

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