❓ Opposition Leader Barnett questions Premier Gallop on the Cannabis Control Bill 2003, citing concerns from parents and disagreement from a Labor member. Gallop defends the bill, emphasizing it doesn't legalize cannabis and addresses drug abuse problems.
AnsweredQoN 717Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer the Premier to his Government’s Cannabis Control Bill 2003, under which the possession and cultivation of substantial amounts of cannabis will be decriminalised. (1) Is the Premier aware of comments made by Mr Joe Bullock, senior Labor Party member and General Secretary of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association of Western Australia, about the legislation? He is reported in the newspaper as saying that - “It is just a step in the wrong direction. “You can’t dress up something that is wrong as being right,” . . . “No matter how you dress it up, it is wrong.” (2) Does the Premier agree with Mr Bullock, or does he intend to tell the parents of a suicidal 20-year-old, the parents of a 30-year-old schizophrenic and the parents of a 15-year-old mental patient - all of whom have expressed their concerns to me - that his decision to decriminalise and normalise cannabis use is the right thing to do? Will the Premier really say that to those parents? Dr G.I. GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) I can say one thing about the Leader of the Opposition: he can certainly draw a crowd. Mr C.J. Barnett: You insult those parents. They are parents of children suffering the effects of cannabis use, and you make a smart-alec comment. That is how good you are. They are parents of children suffering mental health problems. Mr J.N. Hyde interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Perth. Dr G.I. GALLOP: First of all, I once again indicate, through this Parliament, that the legislation that passed through the Legislative Assembly makes it absolutely clear that the possession of cannabis is still illegal, and associated with that are relevant penalties for that offence. I make that absolutely clear. The misinformation that is put out to the public by the Opposition does it no credit at all. I am aware of the comments of Mr Bullock, because I was at the state executive meeting when he made them. That is his view; it is not the view of the Government of Western Australia, the Commissioner of Police in Western Australia or the Australian Labor Party, and it was not the view of the Drug Summit. Mr R.F. Johnson: Is it your view, Premier? Dr G.I. GALLOP: My view is the view that was supported in this Parliament when the legislation was passed. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what I was elected to do? I was elected to legislate, not agitate. I believe the Leader of the Opposition would do well to read the latest biography of one of the great legislators in American history, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson put a lot of reform legislation through the American Congress. He always stressed to his reform-based colleagues in the Democratic Party, and others whom he was trying to corral to bring in reforms, that they must remember that it was their job to legislate - not to give long speeches but to get legislation passed. I will answer the Leader of the Opposition’s question. Because of tragic circumstances, many people in our society are caught up in alcohol or drug abuse, and have serious problems related to the substances that they use. As a Government, it is our responsibility to work with those people and their families to bring about a solution to those problems. That is exactly what the Drug Summit said when it reported to the Government. The Government agrees with the principles laid down in the Drug Summit. We should work with parents and carers of people in our community who are suffering because they have abuse problems; we must work with those families. The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
(1) Is the Premier aware of comments made by Mr Joe Bullock, senior Labor Party member and General Secretary of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association of Western Australia, about the legislation? He is reported in the newspaper as saying that - “It is just a step in the wrong direction. “You can’t dress up something that is wrong as being right,” . . . “No matter how you dress it up, it is wrong.” (2) Does the Premier agree with Mr Bullock, or does he intend to tell the parents of a suicidal 20-year-old, the parents of a 30-year-old schizophrenic and the parents of a 15-year-old mental patient - all of whom have expressed their concerns to me - that his decision to decriminalise and normalise cannabis use is the right thing to do? Will the Premier really say that to those parents? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I can say one thing about the Leader of the Opposition: he can certainly draw a crowd. Mr C.J. Barnett: You insult those parents. They are parents of children suffering the effects of cannabis use, and you make a smart-alec comment. That is how good you are. They are parents of children suffering mental health problems. Mr J.N. Hyde interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Perth. Dr G.I. GALLOP: First of all, I once again indicate, through this Parliament, that the legislation that passed through the Legislative Assembly makes it absolutely clear that the possession of cannabis is still illegal, and associated with that are relevant penalties for that offence. I make that absolutely clear. The misinformation that is put out to the public by the Opposition does it no credit at all. I am aware of the comments of Mr Bullock, because I was at the state executive meeting when he made them. That is his view; it is not the view of the Government of Western Australia, the Commissioner of Police in Western Australia or the Australian Labor Party, and it was not the view of the Drug Summit. Mr R.F. Johnson: Is it your view, Premier? Dr G.I. GALLOP: My view is the view that was supported in this Parliament when the legislation was passed. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what I was elected to do? I was elected to legislate, not agitate. I believe the Leader of the Opposition would do well to read the latest biography of one of the great legislators in American history, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson put a lot of reform legislation through the American Congress. He always stressed to his reform-based colleagues in the Democratic Party, and others whom he was trying to corral to bring in reforms, that they must remember that it was their job to legislate - not to give long speeches but to get legislation passed. I will answer the Leader of the Opposition’s question. Because of tragic circumstances, many people in our society are caught up in alcohol or drug abuse, and have serious problems related to the substances that they use. As a Government, it is our responsibility to work with those people and their families to bring about a solution to those problems. That is exactly what the Drug Summit said when it reported to the Government. The Government agrees with the principles laid down in the Drug Summit. We should work with parents and carers of people in our community who are suffering because they have abuse problems; we must work with those families. The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
“You can’t dress up something that is wrong as being right,” . . . “No matter how you dress it up, it is wrong.”
“No matter how you dress it up, it is wrong.”
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I can say one thing about the Leader of the Opposition: he can certainly draw a crowd. Mr C.J. Barnett: You insult those parents. They are parents of children suffering the effects of cannabis use, and you make a smart-alec comment. That is how good you are. They are parents of children suffering mental health problems. Mr J.N. Hyde interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Perth. Dr G.I. GALLOP: First of all, I once again indicate, through this Parliament, that the legislation that passed through the Legislative Assembly makes it absolutely clear that the possession of cannabis is still illegal, and associated with that are relevant penalties for that offence. I make that absolutely clear. The misinformation that is put out to the public by the Opposition does it no credit at all. I am aware of the comments of Mr Bullock, because I was at the state executive meeting when he made them. That is his view; it is not the view of the Government of Western Australia, the Commissioner of Police in Western Australia or the Australian Labor Party, and it was not the view of the Drug Summit. Mr R.F. Johnson: Is it your view, Premier? Dr G.I. GALLOP: My view is the view that was supported in this Parliament when the legislation was passed. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what I was elected to do? I was elected to legislate, not agitate. I believe the Leader of the Opposition would do well to read the latest biography of one of the great legislators in American history, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson put a lot of reform legislation through the American Congress. He always stressed to his reform-based colleagues in the Democratic Party, and others whom he was trying to corral to bring in reforms, that they must remember that it was their job to legislate - not to give long speeches but to get legislation passed. I will answer the Leader of the Opposition’s question. Because of tragic circumstances, many people in our society are caught up in alcohol or drug abuse, and have serious problems related to the substances that they use. As a Government, it is our responsibility to work with those people and their families to bring about a solution to those problems. That is exactly what the Drug Summit said when it reported to the Government. The Government agrees with the principles laid down in the Drug Summit. We should work with parents and carers of people in our community who are suffering because they have abuse problems; we must work with those families. The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
(1)-(2) I can say one thing about the Leader of the Opposition: he can certainly draw a crowd. Mr C.J. Barnett: You insult those parents. They are parents of children suffering the effects of cannabis use, and you make a smart-alec comment. That is how good you are. They are parents of children suffering mental health problems. Mr J.N. Hyde interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Perth. Dr G.I. GALLOP: First of all, I once again indicate, through this Parliament, that the legislation that passed through the Legislative Assembly makes it absolutely clear that the possession of cannabis is still illegal, and associated with that are relevant penalties for that offence. I make that absolutely clear. The misinformation that is put out to the public by the Opposition does it no credit at all. I am aware of the comments of Mr Bullock, because I was at the state executive meeting when he made them. That is his view; it is not the view of the Government of Western Australia, the Commissioner of Police in Western Australia or the Australian Labor Party, and it was not the view of the Drug Summit. Mr R.F. Johnson: Is it your view, Premier? Dr G.I. GALLOP: My view is the view that was supported in this Parliament when the legislation was passed. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what I was elected to do? I was elected to legislate, not agitate. I believe the Leader of the Opposition would do well to read the latest biography of one of the great legislators in American history, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson put a lot of reform legislation through the American Congress. He always stressed to his reform-based colleagues in the Democratic Party, and others whom he was trying to corral to bring in reforms, that they must remember that it was their job to legislate - not to give long speeches but to get legislation passed. I will answer the Leader of the Opposition’s question. Because of tragic circumstances, many people in our society are caught up in alcohol or drug abuse, and have serious problems related to the substances that they use. As a Government, it is our responsibility to work with those people and their families to bring about a solution to those problems. That is exactly what the Drug Summit said when it reported to the Government. The Government agrees with the principles laid down in the Drug Summit. We should work with parents and carers of people in our community who are suffering because they have abuse problems; we must work with those families. The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
Mr C.J. Barnett: You insult those parents. They are parents of children suffering the effects of cannabis use, and you make a smart-alec comment. That is how good you are. They are parents of children suffering mental health problems. Mr J.N. Hyde interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Perth. Dr G.I. GALLOP: First of all, I once again indicate, through this Parliament, that the legislation that passed through the Legislative Assembly makes it absolutely clear that the possession of cannabis is still illegal, and associated with that are relevant penalties for that offence. I make that absolutely clear. The misinformation that is put out to the public by the Opposition does it no credit at all. I am aware of the comments of Mr Bullock, because I was at the state executive meeting when he made them. That is his view; it is not the view of the Government of Western Australia, the Commissioner of Police in Western Australia or the Australian Labor Party, and it was not the view of the Drug Summit. Mr R.F. Johnson: Is it your view, Premier? Dr G.I. GALLOP: My view is the view that was supported in this Parliament when the legislation was passed. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what I was elected to do? I was elected to legislate, not agitate. I believe the Leader of the Opposition would do well to read the latest biography of one of the great legislators in American history, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson put a lot of reform legislation through the American Congress. He always stressed to his reform-based colleagues in the Democratic Party, and others whom he was trying to corral to bring in reforms, that they must remember that it was their job to legislate - not to give long speeches but to get legislation passed. I will answer the Leader of the Opposition’s question. Because of tragic circumstances, many people in our society are caught up in alcohol or drug abuse, and have serious problems related to the substances that they use. As a Government, it is our responsibility to work with those people and their families to bring about a solution to those problems. That is exactly what the Drug Summit said when it reported to the Government. The Government agrees with the principles laid down in the Drug Summit. We should work with parents and carers of people in our community who are suffering because they have abuse problems; we must work with those families. The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
Mr J.N. Hyde interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Perth. Dr G.I. GALLOP: First of all, I once again indicate, through this Parliament, that the legislation that passed through the Legislative Assembly makes it absolutely clear that the possession of cannabis is still illegal, and associated with that are relevant penalties for that offence. I make that absolutely clear. The misinformation that is put out to the public by the Opposition does it no credit at all. I am aware of the comments of Mr Bullock, because I was at the state executive meeting when he made them. That is his view; it is not the view of the Government of Western Australia, the Commissioner of Police in Western Australia or the Australian Labor Party, and it was not the view of the Drug Summit. Mr R.F. Johnson: Is it your view, Premier? Dr G.I. GALLOP: My view is the view that was supported in this Parliament when the legislation was passed. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what I was elected to do? I was elected to legislate, not agitate. I believe the Leader of the Opposition would do well to read the latest biography of one of the great legislators in American history, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson put a lot of reform legislation through the American Congress. He always stressed to his reform-based colleagues in the Democratic Party, and others whom he was trying to corral to bring in reforms, that they must remember that it was their job to legislate - not to give long speeches but to get legislation passed. I will answer the Leader of the Opposition’s question. Because of tragic circumstances, many people in our society are caught up in alcohol or drug abuse, and have serious problems related to the substances that they use. As a Government, it is our responsibility to work with those people and their families to bring about a solution to those problems. That is exactly what the Drug Summit said when it reported to the Government. The Government agrees with the principles laid down in the Drug Summit. We should work with parents and carers of people in our community who are suffering because they have abuse problems; we must work with those families. The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Perth. Dr G.I. GALLOP: First of all, I once again indicate, through this Parliament, that the legislation that passed through the Legislative Assembly makes it absolutely clear that the possession of cannabis is still illegal, and associated with that are relevant penalties for that offence. I make that absolutely clear. The misinformation that is put out to the public by the Opposition does it no credit at all. I am aware of the comments of Mr Bullock, because I was at the state executive meeting when he made them. That is his view; it is not the view of the Government of Western Australia, the Commissioner of Police in Western Australia or the Australian Labor Party, and it was not the view of the Drug Summit. Mr R.F. Johnson: Is it your view, Premier? Dr G.I. GALLOP: My view is the view that was supported in this Parliament when the legislation was passed. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what I was elected to do? I was elected to legislate, not agitate. I believe the Leader of the Opposition would do well to read the latest biography of one of the great legislators in American history, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson put a lot of reform legislation through the American Congress. He always stressed to his reform-based colleagues in the Democratic Party, and others whom he was trying to corral to bring in reforms, that they must remember that it was their job to legislate - not to give long speeches but to get legislation passed. I will answer the Leader of the Opposition’s question. Because of tragic circumstances, many people in our society are caught up in alcohol or drug abuse, and have serious problems related to the substances that they use. As a Government, it is our responsibility to work with those people and their families to bring about a solution to those problems. That is exactly what the Drug Summit said when it reported to the Government. The Government agrees with the principles laid down in the Drug Summit. We should work with parents and carers of people in our community who are suffering because they have abuse problems; we must work with those families. The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: First of all, I once again indicate, through this Parliament, that the legislation that passed through the Legislative Assembly makes it absolutely clear that the possession of cannabis is still illegal, and associated with that are relevant penalties for that offence. I make that absolutely clear. The misinformation that is put out to the public by the Opposition does it no credit at all. I am aware of the comments of Mr Bullock, because I was at the state executive meeting when he made them. That is his view; it is not the view of the Government of Western Australia, the Commissioner of Police in Western Australia or the Australian Labor Party, and it was not the view of the Drug Summit. Mr R.F. Johnson: Is it your view, Premier? Dr G.I. GALLOP: My view is the view that was supported in this Parliament when the legislation was passed. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what I was elected to do? I was elected to legislate, not agitate. I believe the Leader of the Opposition would do well to read the latest biography of one of the great legislators in American history, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson put a lot of reform legislation through the American Congress. He always stressed to his reform-based colleagues in the Democratic Party, and others whom he was trying to corral to bring in reforms, that they must remember that it was their job to legislate - not to give long speeches but to get legislation passed. I will answer the Leader of the Opposition’s question. Because of tragic circumstances, many people in our society are caught up in alcohol or drug abuse, and have serious problems related to the substances that they use. As a Government, it is our responsibility to work with those people and their families to bring about a solution to those problems. That is exactly what the Drug Summit said when it reported to the Government. The Government agrees with the principles laid down in the Drug Summit. We should work with parents and carers of people in our community who are suffering because they have abuse problems; we must work with those families. The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
I am aware of the comments of Mr Bullock, because I was at the state executive meeting when he made them. That is his view; it is not the view of the Government of Western Australia, the Commissioner of Police in Western Australia or the Australian Labor Party, and it was not the view of the Drug Summit. Mr R.F. Johnson: Is it your view, Premier? Dr G.I. GALLOP: My view is the view that was supported in this Parliament when the legislation was passed. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what I was elected to do? I was elected to legislate, not agitate. I believe the Leader of the Opposition would do well to read the latest biography of one of the great legislators in American history, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson put a lot of reform legislation through the American Congress. He always stressed to his reform-based colleagues in the Democratic Party, and others whom he was trying to corral to bring in reforms, that they must remember that it was their job to legislate - not to give long speeches but to get legislation passed. I will answer the Leader of the Opposition’s question. Because of tragic circumstances, many people in our society are caught up in alcohol or drug abuse, and have serious problems related to the substances that they use. As a Government, it is our responsibility to work with those people and their families to bring about a solution to those problems. That is exactly what the Drug Summit said when it reported to the Government. The Government agrees with the principles laid down in the Drug Summit. We should work with parents and carers of people in our community who are suffering because they have abuse problems; we must work with those families. The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
Mr R.F. Johnson: Is it your view, Premier? Dr G.I. GALLOP: My view is the view that was supported in this Parliament when the legislation was passed. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what I was elected to do? I was elected to legislate, not agitate. I believe the Leader of the Opposition would do well to read the latest biography of one of the great legislators in American history, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson put a lot of reform legislation through the American Congress. He always stressed to his reform-based colleagues in the Democratic Party, and others whom he was trying to corral to bring in reforms, that they must remember that it was their job to legislate - not to give long speeches but to get legislation passed. I will answer the Leader of the Opposition’s question. Because of tragic circumstances, many people in our society are caught up in alcohol or drug abuse, and have serious problems related to the substances that they use. As a Government, it is our responsibility to work with those people and their families to bring about a solution to those problems. That is exactly what the Drug Summit said when it reported to the Government. The Government agrees with the principles laid down in the Drug Summit. We should work with parents and carers of people in our community who are suffering because they have abuse problems; we must work with those families. The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: My view is the view that was supported in this Parliament when the legislation was passed. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what I was elected to do? I was elected to legislate, not agitate. I believe the Leader of the Opposition would do well to read the latest biography of one of the great legislators in American history, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson put a lot of reform legislation through the American Congress. He always stressed to his reform-based colleagues in the Democratic Party, and others whom he was trying to corral to bring in reforms, that they must remember that it was their job to legislate - not to give long speeches but to get legislation passed. I will answer the Leader of the Opposition’s question. Because of tragic circumstances, many people in our society are caught up in alcohol or drug abuse, and have serious problems related to the substances that they use. As a Government, it is our responsibility to work with those people and their families to bring about a solution to those problems. That is exactly what the Drug Summit said when it reported to the Government. The Government agrees with the principles laid down in the Drug Summit. We should work with parents and carers of people in our community who are suffering because they have abuse problems; we must work with those families. The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
Does the Leader of the Opposition know what I was elected to do? I was elected to legislate, not agitate. I believe the Leader of the Opposition would do well to read the latest biography of one of the great legislators in American history, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson put a lot of reform legislation through the American Congress. He always stressed to his reform-based colleagues in the Democratic Party, and others whom he was trying to corral to bring in reforms, that they must remember that it was their job to legislate - not to give long speeches but to get legislation passed. I will answer the Leader of the Opposition’s question. Because of tragic circumstances, many people in our society are caught up in alcohol or drug abuse, and have serious problems related to the substances that they use. As a Government, it is our responsibility to work with those people and their families to bring about a solution to those problems. That is exactly what the Drug Summit said when it reported to the Government. The Government agrees with the principles laid down in the Drug Summit. We should work with parents and carers of people in our community who are suffering because they have abuse problems; we must work with those families. The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
I will answer the Leader of the Opposition’s question. Because of tragic circumstances, many people in our society are caught up in alcohol or drug abuse, and have serious problems related to the substances that they use. As a Government, it is our responsibility to work with those people and their families to bring about a solution to those problems. That is exactly what the Drug Summit said when it reported to the Government. The Government agrees with the principles laid down in the Drug Summit. We should work with parents and carers of people in our community who are suffering because they have abuse problems; we must work with those families. The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
(1) Is the Premier aware of comments made by Mr Joe Bullock, senior Labor Party member and General Secretary of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association of Western Australia, about the legislation? He is reported in the newspaper as saying that - “It is just a step in the wrong direction. “You can’t dress up something that is wrong as being right,” . . . “No matter how you dress it up, it is wrong.” (2) Does the Premier agree with Mr Bullock, or does he intend to tell the parents of a suicidal 20-year-old, the parents of a 30-year-old schizophrenic and the parents of a 15-year-old mental patient - all of whom have expressed their concerns to me - that his decision to decriminalise and normalise cannabis use is the right thing to do? Will the Premier really say that to those parents? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I can say one thing about the Leader of the Opposition: he can certainly draw a crowd. Mr C.J. Barnett: You insult those parents. They are parents of children suffering the effects of cannabis use, and you make a smart-alec comment. That is how good you are. They are parents of children suffering mental health problems. Mr J.N. Hyde interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Perth. Dr G.I. GALLOP: First of all, I once again indicate, through this Parliament, that the legislation that passed through the Legislative Assembly makes it absolutely clear that the possession of cannabis is still illegal, and associated with that are relevant penalties for that offence. I make that absolutely clear. The misinformation that is put out to the public by the Opposition does it no credit at all. I am aware of the comments of Mr Bullock, because I was at the state executive meeting when he made them. That is his view; it is not the view of the Government of Western Australia, the Commissioner of Police in Western Australia or the Australian Labor Party, and it was not the view of the Drug Summit. Mr R.F. Johnson: Is it your view, Premier? Dr G.I. GALLOP: My view is the view that was supported in this Parliament when the legislation was passed. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what I was elected to do? I was elected to legislate, not agitate. I believe the Leader of the Opposition would do well to read the latest biography of one of the great legislators in American history, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson put a lot of reform legislation through the American Congress. He always stressed to his reform-based colleagues in the Democratic Party, and others whom he was trying to corral to bring in reforms, that they must remember that it was their job to legislate - not to give long speeches but to get legislation passed. I will answer the Leader of the Opposition’s question. Because of tragic circumstances, many people in our society are caught up in alcohol or drug abuse, and have serious problems related to the substances that they use. As a Government, it is our responsibility to work with those people and their families to bring about a solution to those problems. That is exactly what the Drug Summit said when it reported to the Government. The Government agrees with the principles laid down in the Drug Summit. We should work with parents and carers of people in our community who are suffering because they have abuse problems; we must work with those families. The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
“You can’t dress up something that is wrong as being right,” . . . “No matter how you dress it up, it is wrong.”
“No matter how you dress it up, it is wrong.”
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I can say one thing about the Leader of the Opposition: he can certainly draw a crowd. Mr C.J. Barnett: You insult those parents. They are parents of children suffering the effects of cannabis use, and you make a smart-alec comment. That is how good you are. They are parents of children suffering mental health problems. Mr J.N. Hyde interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Perth. Dr G.I. GALLOP: First of all, I once again indicate, through this Parliament, that the legislation that passed through the Legislative Assembly makes it absolutely clear that the possession of cannabis is still illegal, and associated with that are relevant penalties for that offence. I make that absolutely clear. The misinformation that is put out to the public by the Opposition does it no credit at all. I am aware of the comments of Mr Bullock, because I was at the state executive meeting when he made them. That is his view; it is not the view of the Government of Western Australia, the Commissioner of Police in Western Australia or the Australian Labor Party, and it was not the view of the Drug Summit. Mr R.F. Johnson: Is it your view, Premier? Dr G.I. GALLOP: My view is the view that was supported in this Parliament when the legislation was passed. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what I was elected to do? I was elected to legislate, not agitate. I believe the Leader of the Opposition would do well to read the latest biography of one of the great legislators in American history, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson put a lot of reform legislation through the American Congress. He always stressed to his reform-based colleagues in the Democratic Party, and others whom he was trying to corral to bring in reforms, that they must remember that it was their job to legislate - not to give long speeches but to get legislation passed. I will answer the Leader of the Opposition’s question. Because of tragic circumstances, many people in our society are caught up in alcohol or drug abuse, and have serious problems related to the substances that they use. As a Government, it is our responsibility to work with those people and their families to bring about a solution to those problems. That is exactly what the Drug Summit said when it reported to the Government. The Government agrees with the principles laid down in the Drug Summit. We should work with parents and carers of people in our community who are suffering because they have abuse problems; we must work with those families. The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
(1)-(2) I can say one thing about the Leader of the Opposition: he can certainly draw a crowd. Mr C.J. Barnett: You insult those parents. They are parents of children suffering the effects of cannabis use, and you make a smart-alec comment. That is how good you are. They are parents of children suffering mental health problems. Mr J.N. Hyde interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Perth. Dr G.I. GALLOP: First of all, I once again indicate, through this Parliament, that the legislation that passed through the Legislative Assembly makes it absolutely clear that the possession of cannabis is still illegal, and associated with that are relevant penalties for that offence. I make that absolutely clear. The misinformation that is put out to the public by the Opposition does it no credit at all. I am aware of the comments of Mr Bullock, because I was at the state executive meeting when he made them. That is his view; it is not the view of the Government of Western Australia, the Commissioner of Police in Western Australia or the Australian Labor Party, and it was not the view of the Drug Summit. Mr R.F. Johnson: Is it your view, Premier? Dr G.I. GALLOP: My view is the view that was supported in this Parliament when the legislation was passed. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what I was elected to do? I was elected to legislate, not agitate. I believe the Leader of the Opposition would do well to read the latest biography of one of the great legislators in American history, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson put a lot of reform legislation through the American Congress. He always stressed to his reform-based colleagues in the Democratic Party, and others whom he was trying to corral to bring in reforms, that they must remember that it was their job to legislate - not to give long speeches but to get legislation passed. I will answer the Leader of the Opposition’s question. Because of tragic circumstances, many people in our society are caught up in alcohol or drug abuse, and have serious problems related to the substances that they use. As a Government, it is our responsibility to work with those people and their families to bring about a solution to those problems. That is exactly what the Drug Summit said when it reported to the Government. The Government agrees with the principles laid down in the Drug Summit. We should work with parents and carers of people in our community who are suffering because they have abuse problems; we must work with those families. The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
Mr C.J. Barnett: You insult those parents. They are parents of children suffering the effects of cannabis use, and you make a smart-alec comment. That is how good you are. They are parents of children suffering mental health problems. Mr J.N. Hyde interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Perth. Dr G.I. GALLOP: First of all, I once again indicate, through this Parliament, that the legislation that passed through the Legislative Assembly makes it absolutely clear that the possession of cannabis is still illegal, and associated with that are relevant penalties for that offence. I make that absolutely clear. The misinformation that is put out to the public by the Opposition does it no credit at all. I am aware of the comments of Mr Bullock, because I was at the state executive meeting when he made them. That is his view; it is not the view of the Government of Western Australia, the Commissioner of Police in Western Australia or the Australian Labor Party, and it was not the view of the Drug Summit. Mr R.F. Johnson: Is it your view, Premier? Dr G.I. GALLOP: My view is the view that was supported in this Parliament when the legislation was passed. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what I was elected to do? I was elected to legislate, not agitate. I believe the Leader of the Opposition would do well to read the latest biography of one of the great legislators in American history, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson put a lot of reform legislation through the American Congress. He always stressed to his reform-based colleagues in the Democratic Party, and others whom he was trying to corral to bring in reforms, that they must remember that it was their job to legislate - not to give long speeches but to get legislation passed. I will answer the Leader of the Opposition’s question. Because of tragic circumstances, many people in our society are caught up in alcohol or drug abuse, and have serious problems related to the substances that they use. As a Government, it is our responsibility to work with those people and their families to bring about a solution to those problems. That is exactly what the Drug Summit said when it reported to the Government. The Government agrees with the principles laid down in the Drug Summit. We should work with parents and carers of people in our community who are suffering because they have abuse problems; we must work with those families. The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
Mr J.N. Hyde interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Perth. Dr G.I. GALLOP: First of all, I once again indicate, through this Parliament, that the legislation that passed through the Legislative Assembly makes it absolutely clear that the possession of cannabis is still illegal, and associated with that are relevant penalties for that offence. I make that absolutely clear. The misinformation that is put out to the public by the Opposition does it no credit at all. I am aware of the comments of Mr Bullock, because I was at the state executive meeting when he made them. That is his view; it is not the view of the Government of Western Australia, the Commissioner of Police in Western Australia or the Australian Labor Party, and it was not the view of the Drug Summit. Mr R.F. Johnson: Is it your view, Premier? Dr G.I. GALLOP: My view is the view that was supported in this Parliament when the legislation was passed. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what I was elected to do? I was elected to legislate, not agitate. I believe the Leader of the Opposition would do well to read the latest biography of one of the great legislators in American history, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson put a lot of reform legislation through the American Congress. He always stressed to his reform-based colleagues in the Democratic Party, and others whom he was trying to corral to bring in reforms, that they must remember that it was their job to legislate - not to give long speeches but to get legislation passed. I will answer the Leader of the Opposition’s question. Because of tragic circumstances, many people in our society are caught up in alcohol or drug abuse, and have serious problems related to the substances that they use. As a Government, it is our responsibility to work with those people and their families to bring about a solution to those problems. That is exactly what the Drug Summit said when it reported to the Government. The Government agrees with the principles laid down in the Drug Summit. We should work with parents and carers of people in our community who are suffering because they have abuse problems; we must work with those families. The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
The SPEAKER: I call to order the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Perth. Dr G.I. GALLOP: First of all, I once again indicate, through this Parliament, that the legislation that passed through the Legislative Assembly makes it absolutely clear that the possession of cannabis is still illegal, and associated with that are relevant penalties for that offence. I make that absolutely clear. The misinformation that is put out to the public by the Opposition does it no credit at all. I am aware of the comments of Mr Bullock, because I was at the state executive meeting when he made them. That is his view; it is not the view of the Government of Western Australia, the Commissioner of Police in Western Australia or the Australian Labor Party, and it was not the view of the Drug Summit. Mr R.F. Johnson: Is it your view, Premier? Dr G.I. GALLOP: My view is the view that was supported in this Parliament when the legislation was passed. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what I was elected to do? I was elected to legislate, not agitate. I believe the Leader of the Opposition would do well to read the latest biography of one of the great legislators in American history, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson put a lot of reform legislation through the American Congress. He always stressed to his reform-based colleagues in the Democratic Party, and others whom he was trying to corral to bring in reforms, that they must remember that it was their job to legislate - not to give long speeches but to get legislation passed. I will answer the Leader of the Opposition’s question. Because of tragic circumstances, many people in our society are caught up in alcohol or drug abuse, and have serious problems related to the substances that they use. As a Government, it is our responsibility to work with those people and their families to bring about a solution to those problems. That is exactly what the Drug Summit said when it reported to the Government. The Government agrees with the principles laid down in the Drug Summit. We should work with parents and carers of people in our community who are suffering because they have abuse problems; we must work with those families. The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: First of all, I once again indicate, through this Parliament, that the legislation that passed through the Legislative Assembly makes it absolutely clear that the possession of cannabis is still illegal, and associated with that are relevant penalties for that offence. I make that absolutely clear. The misinformation that is put out to the public by the Opposition does it no credit at all. I am aware of the comments of Mr Bullock, because I was at the state executive meeting when he made them. That is his view; it is not the view of the Government of Western Australia, the Commissioner of Police in Western Australia or the Australian Labor Party, and it was not the view of the Drug Summit. Mr R.F. Johnson: Is it your view, Premier? Dr G.I. GALLOP: My view is the view that was supported in this Parliament when the legislation was passed. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what I was elected to do? I was elected to legislate, not agitate. I believe the Leader of the Opposition would do well to read the latest biography of one of the great legislators in American history, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson put a lot of reform legislation through the American Congress. He always stressed to his reform-based colleagues in the Democratic Party, and others whom he was trying to corral to bring in reforms, that they must remember that it was their job to legislate - not to give long speeches but to get legislation passed. I will answer the Leader of the Opposition’s question. Because of tragic circumstances, many people in our society are caught up in alcohol or drug abuse, and have serious problems related to the substances that they use. As a Government, it is our responsibility to work with those people and their families to bring about a solution to those problems. That is exactly what the Drug Summit said when it reported to the Government. The Government agrees with the principles laid down in the Drug Summit. We should work with parents and carers of people in our community who are suffering because they have abuse problems; we must work with those families. The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
I am aware of the comments of Mr Bullock, because I was at the state executive meeting when he made them. That is his view; it is not the view of the Government of Western Australia, the Commissioner of Police in Western Australia or the Australian Labor Party, and it was not the view of the Drug Summit. Mr R.F. Johnson: Is it your view, Premier? Dr G.I. GALLOP: My view is the view that was supported in this Parliament when the legislation was passed. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what I was elected to do? I was elected to legislate, not agitate. I believe the Leader of the Opposition would do well to read the latest biography of one of the great legislators in American history, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson put a lot of reform legislation through the American Congress. He always stressed to his reform-based colleagues in the Democratic Party, and others whom he was trying to corral to bring in reforms, that they must remember that it was their job to legislate - not to give long speeches but to get legislation passed. I will answer the Leader of the Opposition’s question. Because of tragic circumstances, many people in our society are caught up in alcohol or drug abuse, and have serious problems related to the substances that they use. As a Government, it is our responsibility to work with those people and their families to bring about a solution to those problems. That is exactly what the Drug Summit said when it reported to the Government. The Government agrees with the principles laid down in the Drug Summit. We should work with parents and carers of people in our community who are suffering because they have abuse problems; we must work with those families. The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
Mr R.F. Johnson: Is it your view, Premier? Dr G.I. GALLOP: My view is the view that was supported in this Parliament when the legislation was passed. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what I was elected to do? I was elected to legislate, not agitate. I believe the Leader of the Opposition would do well to read the latest biography of one of the great legislators in American history, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson put a lot of reform legislation through the American Congress. He always stressed to his reform-based colleagues in the Democratic Party, and others whom he was trying to corral to bring in reforms, that they must remember that it was their job to legislate - not to give long speeches but to get legislation passed. I will answer the Leader of the Opposition’s question. Because of tragic circumstances, many people in our society are caught up in alcohol or drug abuse, and have serious problems related to the substances that they use. As a Government, it is our responsibility to work with those people and their families to bring about a solution to those problems. That is exactly what the Drug Summit said when it reported to the Government. The Government agrees with the principles laid down in the Drug Summit. We should work with parents and carers of people in our community who are suffering because they have abuse problems; we must work with those families. The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: My view is the view that was supported in this Parliament when the legislation was passed. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what I was elected to do? I was elected to legislate, not agitate. I believe the Leader of the Opposition would do well to read the latest biography of one of the great legislators in American history, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson put a lot of reform legislation through the American Congress. He always stressed to his reform-based colleagues in the Democratic Party, and others whom he was trying to corral to bring in reforms, that they must remember that it was their job to legislate - not to give long speeches but to get legislation passed. I will answer the Leader of the Opposition’s question. Because of tragic circumstances, many people in our society are caught up in alcohol or drug abuse, and have serious problems related to the substances that they use. As a Government, it is our responsibility to work with those people and their families to bring about a solution to those problems. That is exactly what the Drug Summit said when it reported to the Government. The Government agrees with the principles laid down in the Drug Summit. We should work with parents and carers of people in our community who are suffering because they have abuse problems; we must work with those families. The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
Does the Leader of the Opposition know what I was elected to do? I was elected to legislate, not agitate. I believe the Leader of the Opposition would do well to read the latest biography of one of the great legislators in American history, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson put a lot of reform legislation through the American Congress. He always stressed to his reform-based colleagues in the Democratic Party, and others whom he was trying to corral to bring in reforms, that they must remember that it was their job to legislate - not to give long speeches but to get legislation passed. I will answer the Leader of the Opposition’s question. Because of tragic circumstances, many people in our society are caught up in alcohol or drug abuse, and have serious problems related to the substances that they use. As a Government, it is our responsibility to work with those people and their families to bring about a solution to those problems. That is exactly what the Drug Summit said when it reported to the Government. The Government agrees with the principles laid down in the Drug Summit. We should work with parents and carers of people in our community who are suffering because they have abuse problems; we must work with those families. The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
I will answer the Leader of the Opposition’s question. Because of tragic circumstances, many people in our society are caught up in alcohol or drug abuse, and have serious problems related to the substances that they use. As a Government, it is our responsibility to work with those people and their families to bring about a solution to those problems. That is exactly what the Drug Summit said when it reported to the Government. The Government agrees with the principles laid down in the Drug Summit. We should work with parents and carers of people in our community who are suffering because they have abuse problems; we must work with those families. The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
The Leader of the Opposition cannot understand that we must have a relevant legal framework for dealing with cannabis and a relevant framework for working with individuals and their families to solve this problem. Members on this side of the House will never spread misinformation; secondly, we will never use fear as a political tactic. The Opposition is doing that. The people of Western Australia know where the Government is coming from. They know that changes are needed. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that the tragic circumstances of those families about which he spoke arose under the legal framework that currently exists in this State.
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