Page 4578 - Week 15 - Tuesday, 6 December 1994
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
We had great interest throughout Federal departments and the ACT. We had representatives attending the conference from the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, the Department of the Environment, Land and Planning in the ACT, the Federal Department of Industry, Technology and Regional Development, the Land and Water Research and Development Corporation, the Federal Department of Environment, Sport and Territories, the Federal Department of Primary Industries and Energy, Greening Australia, the National Land Care Group, the Resource Science Faculty at the University of Canberra, the Canberra Region Campaign, printing industry research, and representatives of the media.
Members of the Labor Party and other members here would have benefited greatly from the research that was shown, from the evidence that was presented, from the opportunities to ask a medical doctor, Dr Andrew Katelaris, questions about the medicinal effects of cannabis hemp and the other many uses. Were the members of the Labor Party supportive of this conference and interested in finding out the truth about what must be God's gift to mankind agriculturally? Let me tell you what many people do not know. Members of the Labor Party attempted to prevent the conference going ahead. First of all, they cancelled the venue. I got another one. Secondly, a number of Ministers forbade ACT Government public servants and researchers from attending the conference. If anybody does not know that, they should find out what is going on in this town. That was one of the most appallingly irresponsible political actions I have seen - and, having been a member of this Assembly for some time, I have seen a lot.
You will get a chance to talk on this. Why do you not tell the people of Canberra, the people of Australia, the people of the world, we hear, and the people of the other planets who heard about what we did last week, what you did about researching - - - (Extension of time granted)
Ms Follett: On a point of order, Madam Speaker: I thought we were debating a fairly specific, if transparently face-saving, amendment by Mrs Carnell. I have yet to hear Mr Stevenson address that matter.
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Stevenson, the question before the house is: That Mrs Carnell's amendment be agreed to. Would you address that question, please.
MR STEVENSON: The reason I spoke a little bit loudly when I spoke about the interplanetary people was to make sure that they heard as well. Although it has been heard all around the world, I am not sure how the message is getting out. Why is it that we do not represent Canberrans? Why is it that we are not prepared to look at medical research? Why is it that we are prepared to go to such lengths to try to prevent very interested members of the ACT public service from discussing the matter, from asking questions on the matter? I ask the Labor Ministers to tell me and tell the people of Canberra and the people of Australia why they attempted to prevent this medical and other knowledge from getting out.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .