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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 5 Hansard (10 May) . . Page.. 1369 ..

MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Kaine said, "Is it illegal to study the use of illegal drugs?"

Mr Kaine: No, I did not say that at all. I asked you whether you were aware of the illegal use of drugs.

MR HUMPHRIES: Was I aware of the illegal use of drugs?

Mr Kaine: Yes.

MR HUMPHRIES: Yes, Mr Speaker, I am aware that in Canberra there is the use of illegal drugs. It has filtered into my consciousness in the last few years, I have to say. My advisers have suggested that there is the use of illicit drugs in the ACT. Am I aware that someone was studying the use by a group of people of illicit drugs? Yes, I was, because, like you, I was paying attention to what was going through the Assembly. I saw a study referred to in legislation for which I voted, as did you, which facilitated that study to occur within the terms of the epidemiology act that Mr Moore referred to yesterday.

I think you asked whether I sanctioned the concealing of information about that study. I do not think I had any role to play as Attorney-General in the provision of that study, so I do not think I had any role to play in promoting or concealing information about the study. Certainly, if any information came to my attention, or to my department's attention, which I was required to disclose in any report, then I am sure it was disclosed. I have no reason to believe that it would not have been disclosed in the usual and legal way. Mr Speaker, I think there was some notion in that question about whether I concur with the idea of having studies into illegal drug use.

Mr Kaine: I did not ask you that question at all. Why don't you listen to the question and then you might answer it?

MR HUMPHRIES: All right. There were several parts to the questions, with respect, and I have tried to answer it, Mr Speaker. The fact is that illicit drug activity in this community is having an enormous effect on the welfare of this community-on its health, on its safety and on a whole range of economic and other factors in this community. To have studies done into the effect of illegal drugs in our community is not merely okay; it is highly desirable. In fact, it is highly necessary for our community to be doing them. I would hope that Mr Kaine will welcome the fact that information is being collected about such things so that we in this place and in the broader community can have a better informed debate about the effect of illicit drugs in our community.

MR SPEAKER: I call Mr Kaine for a supplementary question.

MR KAINE: I think I have met the greatest dissembler. I had thought the minister for health was, but not now. Minister, since you were clearly aware that the illegal use of drugs was being practised by a group of people-you were clearly aware; you have admitted that-did you, as chief law officer, at any time feel any obligation to bring the matter to the attention of the ACT police; if not, why not? You are the chief law officer of this territory.

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