Page 4340 - Week 14 - Wednesday, 30 November 1994

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This is the amendment that deals with the medicinal use of cannabis. We had a quite extensive debate in the in-principle stage.

MR CONNOLLY (Attorney-General and Minister for Health) (12.03): One last thing that members should consider is this: We have no advice from the AMA or the doctors on how they feel about this open slather approach to medical research, where you can prescribe cannabis on a simple GP's signature. We have no advice on how the Federal Police feel about this measure. As I said in the in-principle debate, hold your breath, members opposite, because you are taking a huge leap into the unknown under your leader.

MR MOORE (12.03): Madam Speaker, I do need to respond to that. I have read from a series of research articles. We actually have the monograph that was prepared by the national task force on cannabis, which I have quoted from. The national task force on cannabis does say that there should be further research. Research is available in two ways: In the way that is already provided for in the Act, and in this way. To suggest that a medical practitioner can prescribe willy nilly, as Mr Connolly implies, is nonsense. We have a chance to do something that will assist people who are in dire straits.

Question put:

That the proposed new clause (Mr Moore's) be added to the Bill.

The Assembly voted -

AYES, 9   NOES, 8

Mrs Carnell Mr Berry

Mr Cornwell Mr Connolly

Mr De Domenico Ms Ellis

Mr Humphries Ms Follett

Mr Kaine  Mrs Grassby

Mr Moore  Mr Lamont

Mr Stefaniak Ms McRae

Mr Stevenson Mr Wood

Ms Szuty

Question so resolved in the affirmative.

Title agreed to.

Bill, as amended, agreed to.

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