Page 4115 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 22 October 2019
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including in the school zone. Concerns were raised about a number of issues. I am also aware that the Garran residents association met recently. I understand that Mrs Dunne and Mr Hanson may have attended that meeting—
Mrs Dunne: We certainly did.
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: and I will be very happy also to attend a meeting with the Garran residents association should I be invited, which I understand at this point I have not been. I would point out, though, in assuaging these concerns, as I just mentioned, there are current facilities on the site. These current facilities generate traffic. They include a parking lot with approximately 60 parking spaces of two-hour parking, which I imagine probably generates around 300 cars a day. That traffic will be redirected as a result of this development. So I think the full picture needs to be understood in that conversation, which we are very happy to have with the hospital’s neighbours about the full impact of this very important project. (Time expired.)
Justice—cannabis
MR HANSON: My question is to the Attorney-General. Attorney-General, a recent analysis of the cannabis laws recently passed in the ACT stated:
When it comes to possessing cannabis, the situation in the ACT will be very hazy from early next year. And it may take having a very unlucky Canberran arrested, charged and put before the court to clear the … air.
Attorney-General, will you warn Canberrans in the education material that you are obliged to create before these laws commence that a person may be arrested, charged and put before a court?
MR RAMSAY: I thank the shadow attorney-general for his question, noting that the educational material does not come within my portfolio responsibilities but within those of the Minister for Health. However, let me comment more specifically in relation to the matter that he has raised in terms of the interpretation of the legislation in any matters potentially before the court.
I note that, in my speech when we were debating this particular bill, I drew to the chamber’s attention, and therefore the attention of the people of Canberra, the risks that are there, and that the intention of this government has never been to condone or to encourage the personal use of cannabis. I think it is important for us to say that again because, despite what is said across the chamber here, and in the scaring that is taking place from the Canberra Liberals, and from the people up on the hill as well, who are trying to whip up some sort of fear about this—
Mr Hanson: Madam Speaker, a point of order.
MADAM SPEAKER: Resume your seat, minister. A point of order?
Mr Hanson: The question is about whether there will be information in the educational package that is obligated in the legislation regarding the legal risks.
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