❓ Opposition questions Premier about cannabis laws, potential for WA to become a drug capital, and adequacy of police resources. Premier defends the government's approach, citing the Drug Summit and police support, accusing the opposition of fear-mongering and inaction.
AnsweredQoN 587Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer the Premier to comments by the former head of the Victorian police drug squad, John McKoy, who said that intelligence reports indicated that South Australian marijuana laws were used by gangs to buy harder drugs in Melbourne and Sydney. (1) Is the Premier aware that under his Government’s legislation, individuals in Western Australia will be able to cultivate the largest amounts of cannabis with the least punishment of all Australian States? (2) Does the Premier intend to allocate additional police resources to ensure that cannabis is not exported from Western Australia to other States to finance the purchase of harder drugs? (3) Why is the Premier intent on making Western Australia the cannabis capital of our nation? Dr G.I. GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(3) The Leader of the Opposition may rely on the views of a Victorian police officer. For my views on this question I rely on the conclusion of the Drug Summit, which was representative of the Western Australian community, and the current Western Australia Police Service, which supports these initiatives. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We know what is happening. The Opposition is trying to generate fear in the community. Firstly, this Government faces up to its responsibilities to deal with social problems. It is not legalising the cultivation or possession of cannabis, but it has a new penalty regime for what it calls small users that will enable it to intervene in the lives of those people in a much more effective way than was the case under the previous Government. Secondly, this Government is lowering the threshold that will apply to drug trafficking. The second point is the answer to the Leader of the Opposition’s question. We are moving the State of Western Australia forward. The previous Government had its head in the sand. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Let me illustrate the point. What is the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers? Head in the sand; we do not need one; cover it up; sweep it under the carpet. This is exactly the approach the Opposition is adopting on this major social issue that we face today in Western Australia. Those opposite were in government for eight years. Did the incidence of drug abuse in our community go down during that period? No, Mr Speaker. We set up the Drug Summit to look at new initiatives and a new approach, and as a result of the approach to be adopted we will be able to intervene in the way our society works, in an effective and relevant way, to make sure we are dealing with the social problems associated with drug abuse. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Nedlands, Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood.
(1) Is the Premier aware that under his Government’s legislation, individuals in Western Australia will be able to cultivate the largest amounts of cannabis with the least punishment of all Australian States? (2) Does the Premier intend to allocate additional police resources to ensure that cannabis is not exported from Western Australia to other States to finance the purchase of harder drugs? (3) Why is the Premier intent on making Western Australia the cannabis capital of our nation? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Leader of the Opposition may rely on the views of a Victorian police officer. For my views on this question I rely on the conclusion of the Drug Summit, which was representative of the Western Australian community, and the current Western Australia Police Service, which supports these initiatives. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We know what is happening. The Opposition is trying to generate fear in the community. Firstly, this Government faces up to its responsibilities to deal with social problems. It is not legalising the cultivation or possession of cannabis, but it has a new penalty regime for what it calls small users that will enable it to intervene in the lives of those people in a much more effective way than was the case under the previous Government. Secondly, this Government is lowering the threshold that will apply to drug trafficking. The second point is the answer to the Leader of the Opposition’s question. We are moving the State of Western Australia forward. The previous Government had its head in the sand. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Let me illustrate the point. What is the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers? Head in the sand; we do not need one; cover it up; sweep it under the carpet. This is exactly the approach the Opposition is adopting on this major social issue that we face today in Western Australia. Those opposite were in government for eight years. Did the incidence of drug abuse in our community go down during that period? No, Mr Speaker. We set up the Drug Summit to look at new initiatives and a new approach, and as a result of the approach to be adopted we will be able to intervene in the way our society works, in an effective and relevant way, to make sure we are dealing with the social problems associated with drug abuse. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Nedlands, Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood.
(2) Does the Premier intend to allocate additional police resources to ensure that cannabis is not exported from Western Australia to other States to finance the purchase of harder drugs? (3) Why is the Premier intent on making Western Australia the cannabis capital of our nation? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Leader of the Opposition may rely on the views of a Victorian police officer. For my views on this question I rely on the conclusion of the Drug Summit, which was representative of the Western Australian community, and the current Western Australia Police Service, which supports these initiatives. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We know what is happening. The Opposition is trying to generate fear in the community. Firstly, this Government faces up to its responsibilities to deal with social problems. It is not legalising the cultivation or possession of cannabis, but it has a new penalty regime for what it calls small users that will enable it to intervene in the lives of those people in a much more effective way than was the case under the previous Government. Secondly, this Government is lowering the threshold that will apply to drug trafficking. The second point is the answer to the Leader of the Opposition’s question. We are moving the State of Western Australia forward. The previous Government had its head in the sand. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Let me illustrate the point. What is the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers? Head in the sand; we do not need one; cover it up; sweep it under the carpet. This is exactly the approach the Opposition is adopting on this major social issue that we face today in Western Australia. Those opposite were in government for eight years. Did the incidence of drug abuse in our community go down during that period? No, Mr Speaker. We set up the Drug Summit to look at new initiatives and a new approach, and as a result of the approach to be adopted we will be able to intervene in the way our society works, in an effective and relevant way, to make sure we are dealing with the social problems associated with drug abuse. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Nedlands, Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood.
(3) Why is the Premier intent on making Western Australia the cannabis capital of our nation? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Leader of the Opposition may rely on the views of a Victorian police officer. For my views on this question I rely on the conclusion of the Drug Summit, which was representative of the Western Australian community, and the current Western Australia Police Service, which supports these initiatives. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We know what is happening. The Opposition is trying to generate fear in the community. Firstly, this Government faces up to its responsibilities to deal with social problems. It is not legalising the cultivation or possession of cannabis, but it has a new penalty regime for what it calls small users that will enable it to intervene in the lives of those people in a much more effective way than was the case under the previous Government. Secondly, this Government is lowering the threshold that will apply to drug trafficking. The second point is the answer to the Leader of the Opposition’s question. We are moving the State of Western Australia forward. The previous Government had its head in the sand. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Let me illustrate the point. What is the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers? Head in the sand; we do not need one; cover it up; sweep it under the carpet. This is exactly the approach the Opposition is adopting on this major social issue that we face today in Western Australia. Those opposite were in government for eight years. Did the incidence of drug abuse in our community go down during that period? No, Mr Speaker. We set up the Drug Summit to look at new initiatives and a new approach, and as a result of the approach to be adopted we will be able to intervene in the way our society works, in an effective and relevant way, to make sure we are dealing with the social problems associated with drug abuse. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Nedlands, Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Leader of the Opposition may rely on the views of a Victorian police officer. For my views on this question I rely on the conclusion of the Drug Summit, which was representative of the Western Australian community, and the current Western Australia Police Service, which supports these initiatives. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We know what is happening. The Opposition is trying to generate fear in the community. Firstly, this Government faces up to its responsibilities to deal with social problems. It is not legalising the cultivation or possession of cannabis, but it has a new penalty regime for what it calls small users that will enable it to intervene in the lives of those people in a much more effective way than was the case under the previous Government. Secondly, this Government is lowering the threshold that will apply to drug trafficking. The second point is the answer to the Leader of the Opposition’s question. We are moving the State of Western Australia forward. The previous Government had its head in the sand. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Let me illustrate the point. What is the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers? Head in the sand; we do not need one; cover it up; sweep it under the carpet. This is exactly the approach the Opposition is adopting on this major social issue that we face today in Western Australia. Those opposite were in government for eight years. Did the incidence of drug abuse in our community go down during that period? No, Mr Speaker. We set up the Drug Summit to look at new initiatives and a new approach, and as a result of the approach to be adopted we will be able to intervene in the way our society works, in an effective and relevant way, to make sure we are dealing with the social problems associated with drug abuse. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Nedlands, Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood.
(1)-(3) The Leader of the Opposition may rely on the views of a Victorian police officer. For my views on this question I rely on the conclusion of the Drug Summit, which was representative of the Western Australian community, and the current Western Australia Police Service, which supports these initiatives. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We know what is happening. The Opposition is trying to generate fear in the community. Firstly, this Government faces up to its responsibilities to deal with social problems. It is not legalising the cultivation or possession of cannabis, but it has a new penalty regime for what it calls small users that will enable it to intervene in the lives of those people in a much more effective way than was the case under the previous Government. Secondly, this Government is lowering the threshold that will apply to drug trafficking. The second point is the answer to the Leader of the Opposition’s question. We are moving the State of Western Australia forward. The previous Government had its head in the sand. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Let me illustrate the point. What is the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers? Head in the sand; we do not need one; cover it up; sweep it under the carpet. This is exactly the approach the Opposition is adopting on this major social issue that we face today in Western Australia. Those opposite were in government for eight years. Did the incidence of drug abuse in our community go down during that period? No, Mr Speaker. We set up the Drug Summit to look at new initiatives and a new approach, and as a result of the approach to be adopted we will be able to intervene in the way our society works, in an effective and relevant way, to make sure we are dealing with the social problems associated with drug abuse. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Nedlands, Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood.
Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We know what is happening. The Opposition is trying to generate fear in the community. Firstly, this Government faces up to its responsibilities to deal with social problems. It is not legalising the cultivation or possession of cannabis, but it has a new penalty regime for what it calls small users that will enable it to intervene in the lives of those people in a much more effective way than was the case under the previous Government. Secondly, this Government is lowering the threshold that will apply to drug trafficking. The second point is the answer to the Leader of the Opposition’s question. We are moving the State of Western Australia forward. The previous Government had its head in the sand. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Let me illustrate the point. What is the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers? Head in the sand; we do not need one; cover it up; sweep it under the carpet. This is exactly the approach the Opposition is adopting on this major social issue that we face today in Western Australia. Those opposite were in government for eight years. Did the incidence of drug abuse in our community go down during that period? No, Mr Speaker. We set up the Drug Summit to look at new initiatives and a new approach, and as a result of the approach to be adopted we will be able to intervene in the way our society works, in an effective and relevant way, to make sure we are dealing with the social problems associated with drug abuse. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Nedlands, Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood.
The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We know what is happening. The Opposition is trying to generate fear in the community. Firstly, this Government faces up to its responsibilities to deal with social problems. It is not legalising the cultivation or possession of cannabis, but it has a new penalty regime for what it calls small users that will enable it to intervene in the lives of those people in a much more effective way than was the case under the previous Government. Secondly, this Government is lowering the threshold that will apply to drug trafficking. The second point is the answer to the Leader of the Opposition’s question. We are moving the State of Western Australia forward. The previous Government had its head in the sand. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Let me illustrate the point. What is the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers? Head in the sand; we do not need one; cover it up; sweep it under the carpet. This is exactly the approach the Opposition is adopting on this major social issue that we face today in Western Australia. Those opposite were in government for eight years. Did the incidence of drug abuse in our community go down during that period? No, Mr Speaker. We set up the Drug Summit to look at new initiatives and a new approach, and as a result of the approach to be adopted we will be able to intervene in the way our society works, in an effective and relevant way, to make sure we are dealing with the social problems associated with drug abuse. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Nedlands, Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: We know what is happening. The Opposition is trying to generate fear in the community. Firstly, this Government faces up to its responsibilities to deal with social problems. It is not legalising the cultivation or possession of cannabis, but it has a new penalty regime for what it calls small users that will enable it to intervene in the lives of those people in a much more effective way than was the case under the previous Government. Secondly, this Government is lowering the threshold that will apply to drug trafficking. The second point is the answer to the Leader of the Opposition’s question. We are moving the State of Western Australia forward. The previous Government had its head in the sand. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Let me illustrate the point. What is the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers? Head in the sand; we do not need one; cover it up; sweep it under the carpet. This is exactly the approach the Opposition is adopting on this major social issue that we face today in Western Australia. Those opposite were in government for eight years. Did the incidence of drug abuse in our community go down during that period? No, Mr Speaker. We set up the Drug Summit to look at new initiatives and a new approach, and as a result of the approach to be adopted we will be able to intervene in the way our society works, in an effective and relevant way, to make sure we are dealing with the social problems associated with drug abuse. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Nedlands, Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood.
The second point is the answer to the Leader of the Opposition’s question. We are moving the State of Western Australia forward. The previous Government had its head in the sand. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Let me illustrate the point. What is the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers? Head in the sand; we do not need one; cover it up; sweep it under the carpet. This is exactly the approach the Opposition is adopting on this major social issue that we face today in Western Australia. Those opposite were in government for eight years. Did the incidence of drug abuse in our community go down during that period? No, Mr Speaker. We set up the Drug Summit to look at new initiatives and a new approach, and as a result of the approach to be adopted we will be able to intervene in the way our society works, in an effective and relevant way, to make sure we are dealing with the social problems associated with drug abuse. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Nedlands, Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood.
Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Let me illustrate the point. What is the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers? Head in the sand; we do not need one; cover it up; sweep it under the carpet. This is exactly the approach the Opposition is adopting on this major social issue that we face today in Western Australia. Those opposite were in government for eight years. Did the incidence of drug abuse in our community go down during that period? No, Mr Speaker. We set up the Drug Summit to look at new initiatives and a new approach, and as a result of the approach to be adopted we will be able to intervene in the way our society works, in an effective and relevant way, to make sure we are dealing with the social problems associated with drug abuse. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Nedlands, Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: Let me illustrate the point. What is the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers? Head in the sand; we do not need one; cover it up; sweep it under the carpet. This is exactly the approach the Opposition is adopting on this major social issue that we face today in Western Australia. Those opposite were in government for eight years. Did the incidence of drug abuse in our community go down during that period? No, Mr Speaker. We set up the Drug Summit to look at new initiatives and a new approach, and as a result of the approach to be adopted we will be able to intervene in the way our society works, in an effective and relevant way, to make sure we are dealing with the social problems associated with drug abuse. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Nedlands, Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood.
The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Nedlands, Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood.
(1) Is the Premier aware that under his Government’s legislation, individuals in Western Australia will be able to cultivate the largest amounts of cannabis with the least punishment of all Australian States? (2) Does the Premier intend to allocate additional police resources to ensure that cannabis is not exported from Western Australia to other States to finance the purchase of harder drugs? (3) Why is the Premier intent on making Western Australia the cannabis capital of our nation? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Leader of the Opposition may rely on the views of a Victorian police officer. For my views on this question I rely on the conclusion of the Drug Summit, which was representative of the Western Australian community, and the current Western Australia Police Service, which supports these initiatives. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We know what is happening. The Opposition is trying to generate fear in the community. Firstly, this Government faces up to its responsibilities to deal with social problems. It is not legalising the cultivation or possession of cannabis, but it has a new penalty regime for what it calls small users that will enable it to intervene in the lives of those people in a much more effective way than was the case under the previous Government. Secondly, this Government is lowering the threshold that will apply to drug trafficking. The second point is the answer to the Leader of the Opposition’s question. We are moving the State of Western Australia forward. The previous Government had its head in the sand. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Let me illustrate the point. What is the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers? Head in the sand; we do not need one; cover it up; sweep it under the carpet. This is exactly the approach the Opposition is adopting on this major social issue that we face today in Western Australia. Those opposite were in government for eight years. Did the incidence of drug abuse in our community go down during that period? No, Mr Speaker. We set up the Drug Summit to look at new initiatives and a new approach, and as a result of the approach to be adopted we will be able to intervene in the way our society works, in an effective and relevant way, to make sure we are dealing with the social problems associated with drug abuse. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Nedlands, Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood.
(2) Does the Premier intend to allocate additional police resources to ensure that cannabis is not exported from Western Australia to other States to finance the purchase of harder drugs? (3) Why is the Premier intent on making Western Australia the cannabis capital of our nation? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Leader of the Opposition may rely on the views of a Victorian police officer. For my views on this question I rely on the conclusion of the Drug Summit, which was representative of the Western Australian community, and the current Western Australia Police Service, which supports these initiatives. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We know what is happening. The Opposition is trying to generate fear in the community. Firstly, this Government faces up to its responsibilities to deal with social problems. It is not legalising the cultivation or possession of cannabis, but it has a new penalty regime for what it calls small users that will enable it to intervene in the lives of those people in a much more effective way than was the case under the previous Government. Secondly, this Government is lowering the threshold that will apply to drug trafficking. The second point is the answer to the Leader of the Opposition’s question. We are moving the State of Western Australia forward. The previous Government had its head in the sand. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Let me illustrate the point. What is the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers? Head in the sand; we do not need one; cover it up; sweep it under the carpet. This is exactly the approach the Opposition is adopting on this major social issue that we face today in Western Australia. Those opposite were in government for eight years. Did the incidence of drug abuse in our community go down during that period? No, Mr Speaker. We set up the Drug Summit to look at new initiatives and a new approach, and as a result of the approach to be adopted we will be able to intervene in the way our society works, in an effective and relevant way, to make sure we are dealing with the social problems associated with drug abuse. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Nedlands, Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood.
(3) Why is the Premier intent on making Western Australia the cannabis capital of our nation? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Leader of the Opposition may rely on the views of a Victorian police officer. For my views on this question I rely on the conclusion of the Drug Summit, which was representative of the Western Australian community, and the current Western Australia Police Service, which supports these initiatives. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We know what is happening. The Opposition is trying to generate fear in the community. Firstly, this Government faces up to its responsibilities to deal with social problems. It is not legalising the cultivation or possession of cannabis, but it has a new penalty regime for what it calls small users that will enable it to intervene in the lives of those people in a much more effective way than was the case under the previous Government. Secondly, this Government is lowering the threshold that will apply to drug trafficking. The second point is the answer to the Leader of the Opposition’s question. We are moving the State of Western Australia forward. The previous Government had its head in the sand. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Let me illustrate the point. What is the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers? Head in the sand; we do not need one; cover it up; sweep it under the carpet. This is exactly the approach the Opposition is adopting on this major social issue that we face today in Western Australia. Those opposite were in government for eight years. Did the incidence of drug abuse in our community go down during that period? No, Mr Speaker. We set up the Drug Summit to look at new initiatives and a new approach, and as a result of the approach to be adopted we will be able to intervene in the way our society works, in an effective and relevant way, to make sure we are dealing with the social problems associated with drug abuse. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Nedlands, Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Leader of the Opposition may rely on the views of a Victorian police officer. For my views on this question I rely on the conclusion of the Drug Summit, which was representative of the Western Australian community, and the current Western Australia Police Service, which supports these initiatives. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We know what is happening. The Opposition is trying to generate fear in the community. Firstly, this Government faces up to its responsibilities to deal with social problems. It is not legalising the cultivation or possession of cannabis, but it has a new penalty regime for what it calls small users that will enable it to intervene in the lives of those people in a much more effective way than was the case under the previous Government. Secondly, this Government is lowering the threshold that will apply to drug trafficking. The second point is the answer to the Leader of the Opposition’s question. We are moving the State of Western Australia forward. The previous Government had its head in the sand. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Let me illustrate the point. What is the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers? Head in the sand; we do not need one; cover it up; sweep it under the carpet. This is exactly the approach the Opposition is adopting on this major social issue that we face today in Western Australia. Those opposite were in government for eight years. Did the incidence of drug abuse in our community go down during that period? No, Mr Speaker. We set up the Drug Summit to look at new initiatives and a new approach, and as a result of the approach to be adopted we will be able to intervene in the way our society works, in an effective and relevant way, to make sure we are dealing with the social problems associated with drug abuse. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Nedlands, Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood.
(1)-(3) The Leader of the Opposition may rely on the views of a Victorian police officer. For my views on this question I rely on the conclusion of the Drug Summit, which was representative of the Western Australian community, and the current Western Australia Police Service, which supports these initiatives. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We know what is happening. The Opposition is trying to generate fear in the community. Firstly, this Government faces up to its responsibilities to deal with social problems. It is not legalising the cultivation or possession of cannabis, but it has a new penalty regime for what it calls small users that will enable it to intervene in the lives of those people in a much more effective way than was the case under the previous Government. Secondly, this Government is lowering the threshold that will apply to drug trafficking. The second point is the answer to the Leader of the Opposition’s question. We are moving the State of Western Australia forward. The previous Government had its head in the sand. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Let me illustrate the point. What is the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers? Head in the sand; we do not need one; cover it up; sweep it under the carpet. This is exactly the approach the Opposition is adopting on this major social issue that we face today in Western Australia. Those opposite were in government for eight years. Did the incidence of drug abuse in our community go down during that period? No, Mr Speaker. We set up the Drug Summit to look at new initiatives and a new approach, and as a result of the approach to be adopted we will be able to intervene in the way our society works, in an effective and relevant way, to make sure we are dealing with the social problems associated with drug abuse. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Nedlands, Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood.
Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We know what is happening. The Opposition is trying to generate fear in the community. Firstly, this Government faces up to its responsibilities to deal with social problems. It is not legalising the cultivation or possession of cannabis, but it has a new penalty regime for what it calls small users that will enable it to intervene in the lives of those people in a much more effective way than was the case under the previous Government. Secondly, this Government is lowering the threshold that will apply to drug trafficking. The second point is the answer to the Leader of the Opposition’s question. We are moving the State of Western Australia forward. The previous Government had its head in the sand. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Let me illustrate the point. What is the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers? Head in the sand; we do not need one; cover it up; sweep it under the carpet. This is exactly the approach the Opposition is adopting on this major social issue that we face today in Western Australia. Those opposite were in government for eight years. Did the incidence of drug abuse in our community go down during that period? No, Mr Speaker. We set up the Drug Summit to look at new initiatives and a new approach, and as a result of the approach to be adopted we will be able to intervene in the way our society works, in an effective and relevant way, to make sure we are dealing with the social problems associated with drug abuse. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Nedlands, Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood.
The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We know what is happening. The Opposition is trying to generate fear in the community. Firstly, this Government faces up to its responsibilities to deal with social problems. It is not legalising the cultivation or possession of cannabis, but it has a new penalty regime for what it calls small users that will enable it to intervene in the lives of those people in a much more effective way than was the case under the previous Government. Secondly, this Government is lowering the threshold that will apply to drug trafficking. The second point is the answer to the Leader of the Opposition’s question. We are moving the State of Western Australia forward. The previous Government had its head in the sand. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Let me illustrate the point. What is the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers? Head in the sand; we do not need one; cover it up; sweep it under the carpet. This is exactly the approach the Opposition is adopting on this major social issue that we face today in Western Australia. Those opposite were in government for eight years. Did the incidence of drug abuse in our community go down during that period? No, Mr Speaker. We set up the Drug Summit to look at new initiatives and a new approach, and as a result of the approach to be adopted we will be able to intervene in the way our society works, in an effective and relevant way, to make sure we are dealing with the social problems associated with drug abuse. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Nedlands, Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: We know what is happening. The Opposition is trying to generate fear in the community. Firstly, this Government faces up to its responsibilities to deal with social problems. It is not legalising the cultivation or possession of cannabis, but it has a new penalty regime for what it calls small users that will enable it to intervene in the lives of those people in a much more effective way than was the case under the previous Government. Secondly, this Government is lowering the threshold that will apply to drug trafficking. The second point is the answer to the Leader of the Opposition’s question. We are moving the State of Western Australia forward. The previous Government had its head in the sand. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Let me illustrate the point. What is the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers? Head in the sand; we do not need one; cover it up; sweep it under the carpet. This is exactly the approach the Opposition is adopting on this major social issue that we face today in Western Australia. Those opposite were in government for eight years. Did the incidence of drug abuse in our community go down during that period? No, Mr Speaker. We set up the Drug Summit to look at new initiatives and a new approach, and as a result of the approach to be adopted we will be able to intervene in the way our society works, in an effective and relevant way, to make sure we are dealing with the social problems associated with drug abuse. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Nedlands, Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood.
The second point is the answer to the Leader of the Opposition’s question. We are moving the State of Western Australia forward. The previous Government had its head in the sand. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Let me illustrate the point. What is the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers? Head in the sand; we do not need one; cover it up; sweep it under the carpet. This is exactly the approach the Opposition is adopting on this major social issue that we face today in Western Australia. Those opposite were in government for eight years. Did the incidence of drug abuse in our community go down during that period? No, Mr Speaker. We set up the Drug Summit to look at new initiatives and a new approach, and as a result of the approach to be adopted we will be able to intervene in the way our society works, in an effective and relevant way, to make sure we are dealing with the social problems associated with drug abuse. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Nedlands, Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood.
Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Let me illustrate the point. What is the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers? Head in the sand; we do not need one; cover it up; sweep it under the carpet. This is exactly the approach the Opposition is adopting on this major social issue that we face today in Western Australia. Those opposite were in government for eight years. Did the incidence of drug abuse in our community go down during that period? No, Mr Speaker. We set up the Drug Summit to look at new initiatives and a new approach, and as a result of the approach to be adopted we will be able to intervene in the way our society works, in an effective and relevant way, to make sure we are dealing with the social problems associated with drug abuse. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Nedlands, Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: Let me illustrate the point. What is the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the Royal Commission Into Whether There Has Been Any Corrupt or Criminal Conduct by Western Australian Police Officers? Head in the sand; we do not need one; cover it up; sweep it under the carpet. This is exactly the approach the Opposition is adopting on this major social issue that we face today in Western Australia. Those opposite were in government for eight years. Did the incidence of drug abuse in our community go down during that period? No, Mr Speaker. We set up the Drug Summit to look at new initiatives and a new approach, and as a result of the approach to be adopted we will be able to intervene in the way our society works, in an effective and relevant way, to make sure we are dealing with the social problems associated with drug abuse. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Nedlands, Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood.
The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Nedlands, Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood.
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