❓ Dr. Walker questions the Minister regarding funding for veterans' issues, drawing a comparison to revenue generated from legalised cannabis in Missouri and seeking alternative funding sources in WA. The Minister outlines current state contributions and highlights collaboration with the federal government.
AnsweredQoN 1264Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
MEDICAL CANNABIS — VETERANS
1264. Hon Dr BRIAN WALKER to the minister representing the
Minister for Veterans Issues:
I refer the minister to the recently
released annual report of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services about medical and adult use of cannabis, the
latter of which was legalised there only two years ago but which has already
pumped $US13 million into the Veterans Commission in both the 2023 and 2024
financial years. I acknowledge that we work hand in hand with the federal
government to look after our veterans in WA.
(1) How much money did the state
government commit to veterans issues in the 2023–24 financial year?
(2) As the Cook government remains opposed to the
legalisation of the adult use of cannabis in Western Australia, as he
advised me last week, where does the minister propose to source an equivalent
$A19.2 million to assist veterans in WA on a yearly basis?
1264. Hon Dr BRIAN WALKER to the minister representing the
Minister for Veterans Issues:
I refer the minister to the recently
released annual report of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services about medical and adult use of cannabis, the
latter of which was legalised there only two years ago but which has already
pumped $US13 million into the Veterans Commission in both the 2023 and 2024
financial years. I acknowledge that we work hand in hand with the federal
government to look after our veterans in WA.
(1) How much money did the state
government commit to veterans issues in the 2023–24 financial year?
(2) As the Cook government remains opposed to the
legalisation of the adult use of cannabis in Western Australia, as he
advised me last week, where does the minister propose to source an equivalent
$A19.2 million to assist veterans in WA on a yearly basis?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1) There was $2 354 914 for the veterans issues
portfolio in the 2023–24 financial year. Please note that this does
not include veteran concessions provided through other state government
departments. This information would require significant input from other
agencies and would take longer to collate.
(2) Western Australia
works collaboratively with the federal government to assist WA veterans, noting
that the primary responsibility rests with the federal government through the
Department of Veterans' Affairs. In 2021, our government increased the
state government's contribution to the Anzac Day Trust grants program
from $300 000 a year to $1.3 million a year.
some notice of the question.
(1) There was $2 354 914 for the veterans issues
portfolio in the 2023–24 financial year. Please note that this does
not include veteran concessions provided through other state government
departments. This information would require significant input from other
agencies and would take longer to collate.
(2) Western Australia
works collaboratively with the federal government to assist WA veterans, noting
that the primary responsibility rests with the federal government through the
Department of Veterans' Affairs. In 2021, our government increased the
state government's contribution to the Anzac Day Trust grants program
from $300 000 a year to $1.3 million a year.
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