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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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Australia: Nationals Leader In Cannabis Backflip
ccguide Friday 18 Apr 2003 Pubdate: Thu, 17 Apr 2003 Source: West Australian (Australia) Copyright: 2003 West Australian Newspapers Limited Contact: Website: http://www.thewest.com.au Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/495 Author: Cian Manton, Mark Mallabone and Steve Butler NATIONALS LEADER IN CANNABIS BACKFLIP WA National Pary leader Max Trenorden has made an about-face on cannabis decriminalisation and spoken out against the State Government's proposed law reforms. In debate on the legislation late on Tuesday night, Mr Trenorden said he had changed his view and would oppose the laws, after observing the results of cannabis use in the community. Rockingham MLA Mark McGowan had said earlier he expected the Nationals to support the Bill because it coincided with the party's cannabis use policy, passed at its State conference in Hyden in 1998. "Back in 1998, I argued a case within the National Party to decriminalise the use of marijuana but now I am totally opposed to that view, after five years of looking at it," Mr Trenorden said. "In 1998, I listened to the youth of my electorate saying that cannabis was of no detriment to people at all ... there is now ample evidence that is not true. I will not say to the youth of my district that it is OK to use marijuana." He said the link between cannabis and suicide statistics was what had tipped the scale on his views. Under the Bill, people growing two cannabis plants or possessing less than 30g of the drug for personal use will be issued an on-the-spot fine of up to $200. The National Party leader said outside Parliament that although the Nationals' policy of fining first and second-time offenders caught with small quantities for personal use still stood, the Government's Bill was not about small quantities. "Thirty grams for personal use is too high" Mr Trenorden said. He said both the lay party and the parliamentary party were opposed to cultivation. Shadow transport minister Katie Hodson-Thomas accused te Gallop Government of hypcrisy for forcing MPs to sit late, despite warning the public of the risks of driving tired. "I think they are being reckless and they are putting staff and members' lives at risks," she said yesterday. Lower House leader John Kobelke's decision last night to gag debate on lowering possession limits sparked an uproar. Deputy speaker Dianne Guise made the rare move of leaving the chair. Independent MP Phil Pendal left the House and was unable to vote when Ms Guise returned about five minutes later. Kingsley MLA Cheryl Edwardes said the gag prevented Health Minister Bob Kucera from answering questions. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth
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