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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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Australia: State Government Announces Drug Law Reforms
Austalian AP The Age (Australia)
Sunday 26 May 2002 Cannabis would remain illegal under the Western Australia government's proposed drug law reforms, state Health Minister Bob Kucera announced today. He said penalties for the personal use of cannabis would include infringement notices for people found in possession of less than 30g or two plants. The infringement notice scheme has the support of WA Police Commissioner Barry Matthews, who has told the state government he believes the changes are workable and will free-up police time and resources to deal with serious drug dealers and traffickers. Under the scheme, people caught with small amounts of cannabis for personal use will receive an infringement notice and the drug will be confiscated. However police will retain discretion and will be able to charge a person with a criminal offence if they believe the intent of the scheme is being flouted. "Offenders will have the option of paying their fine, expiating the fine by attending an education session, or contesting it in court," the minister said. Mr Kucera said the proposals were not a soft option to drug dealers because anyone found with large quantities of cannabis would be charged with a criminal offence. He said the state government would begin drafting the new legislation with input from police and justice officials and expected the new regulations would be in force by the end of the year.
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