Statistics indicate Australia has a relatively larger problem with HIV infection than the United Kingdom. The rate of infection among gay men is high, and the rate in IV drug users is increasing. Such data have prompted the Department of Health to try every possible option to limit the spread of HIV. It has estimated the number of needles and syringes needed and is aiming for this target. The Health Department has dramatically increased the supply and availability of needles and syringes and is aiming for 24-hour access through vending machines. Also, when single-shot syringes are manufactured, all multiple-use syringes may be banned. Many needle exchange schemes operate late at night and on weekends. The pharmacy schemes have been administered statewide, with hundreds of pharmacies participating. Although evaluative research on needle exchange schemes has been limited, there have been six prevalence studies of HIV levels in intravenous drug users. These studies have documented the increase of HIV infection from 0.5 percent in 1985 to 14 percent in 1988. 14 references.