Mr. Barnett questions Premier Gallop about proposed drug law changes, claiming they will be the softest in Australia. Premier Gallop denies this, stating possession of small amounts of cannabis will remain illegal with civil penalties.

AnsweredQoN 601Legislative Assembly
Asked
28 November 2001
Member
Portfolio
Premier

QuestionView source ↗

DRUG LAWS, CHANGES
Will the Premier now admit that his Government intends to introduce what would clearly be the softest drug laws in Australia? Dr GALLOP

AnswerView source ↗

That is rubbish. The Opposition is spreading misinformation. I repeat that the possession of small amounts of cannabis will still be illegal and civil penalties will attach to that crime. If people trade in that drug, criminal penalties will apply. This legal framework is being utilised in other parts of Australia. Mr Barnett: It is a disaster in South Australia and it will be a disaster here. Dr GALLOP: Why is the South Australian Government not getting rid of it? Mr Barnett: I wish it would. Dr GALLOP: The Leader of the Opposition just acknowledged that the Liberal Government of South Australia is adopting the same approach as this Government. It will provide a framework within which we can deal with this issue.
Dr GALLOP replied: That is rubbish. The Opposition is spreading misinformation. I repeat that the possession of small amounts of cannabis will still be illegal and civil penalties will attach to that crime. If people trade in that drug, criminal penalties will apply. This legal framework is being utilised in other parts of Australia. Mr Barnett: It is a disaster in South Australia and it will be a disaster here. Dr GALLOP: Why is the South Australian Government not getting rid of it? Mr Barnett: I wish it would. Dr GALLOP: The Leader of the Opposition just acknowledged that the Liberal Government of South Australia is adopting the same approach as this Government. It will provide a framework within which we can deal with this issue.
That is rubbish. The Opposition is spreading misinformation. I repeat that the possession of small amounts of cannabis will still be illegal and civil penalties will attach to that crime. If people trade in that drug, criminal penalties will apply. This legal framework is being utilised in other parts of Australia. Mr Barnett: It is a disaster in South Australia and it will be a disaster here. Dr GALLOP: Why is the South Australian Government not getting rid of it? Mr Barnett: I wish it would. Dr GALLOP: The Leader of the Opposition just acknowledged that the Liberal Government of South Australia is adopting the same approach as this Government. It will provide a framework within which we can deal with this issue.
Mr Barnett: It is a disaster in South Australia and it will be a disaster here. Dr GALLOP: Why is the South Australian Government not getting rid of it? Mr Barnett: I wish it would. Dr GALLOP: The Leader of the Opposition just acknowledged that the Liberal Government of South Australia is adopting the same approach as this Government. It will provide a framework within which we can deal with this issue.
Dr GALLOP: Why is the South Australian Government not getting rid of it? Mr Barnett: I wish it would. Dr GALLOP: The Leader of the Opposition just acknowledged that the Liberal Government of South Australia is adopting the same approach as this Government. It will provide a framework within which we can deal with this issue.
Mr Barnett: I wish it would. Dr GALLOP: The Leader of the Opposition just acknowledged that the Liberal Government of South Australia is adopting the same approach as this Government. It will provide a framework within which we can deal with this issue.
Dr GALLOP: The Leader of the Opposition just acknowledged that the Liberal Government of South Australia is adopting the same approach as this Government. It will provide a framework within which we can deal with this issue.

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