Page 4432 - Week 14 - Thursday, 1 December 1994
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Mr Humphries: Madam Speaker, Mr Connolly is harassing Mrs Carnell. In particular, to say that she is misleading the Assembly is clearly outside standing orders, and it should be withdrawn.
Mr Connolly: I believe that Mrs Carnell has, in fact, corrected herself and acknowledges that the Bill does not refer to a medical research program. So, I am quite happy. I have saved her from a possible misleading.
MRS CARNELL: Madam Speaker, I do not accept that. I believe that medical research and medical research programs are one and the same thing.
MADAM SPEAKER: Thank you, Mrs Carnell.
MRS CARNELL: In my view, this amendment does not in any way empower a medical practitioner, or any other health professional, for that matter, to routinely prescribe cannabis to any patient. The critical phrase in the amendment is "engaged in medical research", Mr Connolly. Importantly, for the medical practitioner to engage in medical research involving a drug such as cannabis, he or she must comply with Division 1 of Part IV of the Drugs of Dependence Act - authorisation for the purpose of research - - -
Mr Connolly: Wrong! Table your legal advice.
MADAM SPEAKER: Order!
MRS CARNELL: Thank you, Madam Speaker. It refers to authorisation for the purpose of research or education. This division is quite specific in outlining what an approved program of medical research is and under what terms and conditions it can be carried out in the ACT. In this division, section 32 defines the circumstances under which a person who proposes to conduct a program that would require the possession or use by that person - that is, the person conducting the research - of a drug of dependence or a prohibited substance such as cannabis may apply to the Minister for authorisation in relation to that drug or substance.
Mr Connolly: Have you consulted your two legally qualified members before running out this drivel?
MRS CARNELL: I am just reading from your legislation. This section also details the requirements that a person must satisfy when submitting an application to conduct medical research.
Mr Connolly: But it does not apply, you fool.
Mr De Domenico: I take a point of order, Madam Speaker. Yesterday, when another member of the Government - - -
Mr Connolly: I withdraw the use of the word "fool" in relation to the Leader of the Opposition.
MADAM SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Connolly. Proceed, Mrs Carnell.
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