Page 1789 - Week 05 - Thursday, 10 May 2018
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However, there are those in this place who oppose pill testing and they have taken every step to sabotage this policy. I hope everyone in this place can remember when the Canberra Liberals made a phone call to their mates at Parliament House to get the last trial stopped. It is embarrassing. They cannot win an ACT election; so they have to call their mates in the feds to try to get anything done. They are still in denial that the people of Canberra do not want their leadership. The people want nothing to do with them.
The commentary over that weekend, the Groovin the Moo weekend, was an interesting thing to observe because it was led by the stand-in shadow health minister, Mr Hanson. I find that incredible. It was a giant tantrum but it was from Mr Hanson. I do believe that Mrs Dunne, the actual Liberal health spokesperson, was absent from the ACT for some reason, which is why Mr Hanson had to step in.
But it says a lot that the legal affairs spokesperson for the Canberra Liberals was out there addressing pill testing. It speaks volumes on how they view this issue. They do not think this is a public health issue. They refuse to view it as one. They refuse to let their health spokesperson address the issue. How can you possibly embrace harm reduction if all you want to do is sic law enforcement on to people?
I think it is time the Canberra Liberals got with the program. Pill testing does not encourage anyone to take drugs. If you did your research, if you actually looked into it, you would know this. Pill testing does not say the drugs are safe. If you did your research, if you looked into it, you would know this. Pill testing quite simply gives young festival goers more information about the illicit drugs they have purchased and are intending to consume.
But all I will ever hear from the other side is, “Just don’t do it.” They will argue for greater police powers and an increased police presence. That has been the policy for generations. It has got us to where we are now. It does not work.
Mr Hanson: Look at England. How is that going?
MR PETTERSSON: We will have a look at that one, Mr Hanson, but all you want to do is criticise policies, not—
Mr Hanson: But you said we have got to legislate. Where is the legislation?
MR PETTERSSON: But what you do every single time is criticise but you do not come to this place with ideas and solutions. I find that incredible. I find it incredible that you have been in this place for so long—
Mr Hanson interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Hanson, you were heard in silence. Mr Pettersson, continue.
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