In the Eye of the Needle

The extraordinary story of Australia's first legal injecting clinic provides important insights into the harrowing world of the addict and the outstanding efforts of a dedicated group of professionals.

It all began in moment of great triumph and political courage. Then there were complications: fierce opposition in the parliament including from the Australian prime minister John Howard, interference by the Vatican and the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board, heated community debate and a court action. Finally, in May 2001, Australia's first legally sanctioned medically supervised injecting centre opened with the challenge to save the lives of injecting drug users.

In the Eye of the Needle traces the story of the centre's first 30 months and the battles to justify its existence. It introduces us to the harrowing world of injecting drug users, their tragedies and successes and the outstanding efforts of a group of health professionals dedicated to saving lives.

Despite its success, the injecting centre continues to provoke debate. This is a story that will not go away. In the Eye of the Needle provides a unique insiders account of what continues to be one of the most controversial public health approaches of today.