CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES (CANNABIS OFFENCES) AMENDMENT BILL

Second Reading

Adjourned debate on second reading.

(Continued from 15 November 2007. Page 1643.)

The Hon. I.F. EVANS (Davenport) (11:10): This matter has been well canvassed in both houses. This bill, which I introduced on behalf of Family First, seeks to eliminate the right to expiate for the growing of cannabis plants. The government is opposed to this bill, partly on the basis of the number of cases that will then go to court. Mr Hood and others argue that under this scheme, as provided by the bill, court processes are not changed, and if people are guilty they can plead accordingly without going to court. Therefore, as only the people who think they are not guilty will be those who end up there, the pressure on the courts will not be much greater, if there is any increased pressure at all. I accept that the government is opposed to the measure, but I thank members for their contribution.

Second reading negatived.