Dr. Walker questions the Minister for Health about using cannabis to mitigate mosquito outbreaks, citing increased mosquito-borne diseases and local breeding concerns. The Minister acknowledges the question and promises a checked answer later.

AnsweredQoN 83Legislative Council
Asked
16 February 2023
Portfolio
Health

QuestionView source ↗

CANNABIS —
MOSQUITO MITIGATION
83. Hon Dr BRIAN WALKER to the Leader of the House
representing the Minister for Health:
I
refer the minister to reports during the recess of mosquito outbreaks in the
eastern states with reports of mosquito-borne diseases such as Murray Valley encephalitis and West Nile Kunjin virus
on the increase and here in Perth, particularly in Belmont, which is in my electorate of East Metropolitan, where high
tides in the Swan River have led to excessive mosquito breeding.
(1) Is the
minister aware that cannabis has been scientifically proven to be one of the
few plants that actively repel mosquitos when grown freely outdoors?
Hon Sue Ellery : Is there
anything cannabis can't do?
Hon Dr BRIAN WALKER : I doubt
it.
(2) What measure does the McGowan
government have in place to mitigate against mosquito outbreaks?
(3) Why does this administration continue to block the
introduction of home-grown small amounts of cannabis when it could
clearly reduce the incidence of those dangerous pests across our suburbs?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1) No.
(2) State and local governments
collaborate effectively through the contiguous local authorities group.
I
will check this because it does not make sense the way it has been written.
Sorry, I will give the honourable member a checked answer when we next
sit.

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