SUMMARY OFFENCES (DRUG PARAPHERNALIA) AMENDMENT BILL

Committee Stage

In committee.

Clause 1.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: I rise to support this bill. We are all aware that drugs are probably the most significant curse that we face in our community. Many would argue that the worst gateway drug of all is cannabis, but many other drugs can be consumed by different items of drug paraphernalia readily available from various outlets around the state. I believe that this bill is responsible and has enormous merit.

The aim of the bill is to ban the sale of drug paraphernalia throughout South Australia. I have long been appalled that drug paraphernalia, particularly in the form of bongs for the use of marijuana, are freely available within our community. There is no age restriction on purchase. Outlets from which they are sold include tobacconists, but have expanded to include specific purpose shops such as those in Hindley Street—names such as Off Ya Tree, Smoke Signals and Freewheelin. To give members an idea of what we are all about here, these shops are not even thinly disguised. They openly promote and sell items designed to promote illicit drug consumption.

Until now, prosecution has depended upon police being able to prove that the paraphernalia was purchased with the specific intent that it would be used to consume illicit drugs. Fortunately, this situation is about to come to an end. This legislation will make the sale of drug paraphernalia in our state illegal. The logic of this bill is quite clear. It would be the height of hypocrisy to allow this ornate paraphernalia, clearly associated with drug use, to be freely displayed and available for purchase, while at the same time trying to say that we are discouraging the consumption of illicit drugs. The younger generation would, quite rightly, accuse us of failing in our duty to care for the community.

I recall the comments of the Hon. Ann Bressington, who introduced the bill. She told us of a young person aged about 12 going into Off Ya Tree in Hindley Street. She said that this young person was given comprehensive advice on the use and maintenance of a bong. The shop assistant even explained the variety of illicit substances for which a bong could be used to consume. I also draw attention to the research and medical evidence that clearly shows how cannabis inhaled through a bong or a water pipe is much stronger. Research shows that it is responsible for the early onset of emphysema. It is time to remedy the folly that we have lived with for many years. As Ms Bressington said, we have gone down the wrong path. Evidence abounds that cannabis is a dangerous and addictive drug. It is not the benign, soft drug that many of us would have believed.

Anyone who may fondly recall their hazy student days of the 1970s must understand that the cannabis used today is an entirely different drug, many times more potent, than that of years past. We have a clear responsibility to every citizen of South Australia, which is to legislate in their best interests. I am confident that this legislation does that. This bill will be good for our state. Moreover, it will ensure that the Rann government keeps a promise that it made before the last election. This bill is also consistent with State Strategic Plan objective No. 2, improving wellbeing, and the government's child protection program, Keeping Them Safe.

Simply put, the bill would outlaw the sale of drug paraphernalia in South Australia. The ban covers bongs, hookahs and like items, water pipes, hash pipes, ice pipes and cocaine kits. I am under no illusions, and I am not suggesting that this measure will stop the use of drug paraphernalia, but it will say to all South Australians: 'We are not in favour of use drug use and we do not condone it. Moreover, we will do whatever is deemed responsible to discourage it.' The government commends the Hon. Ann Bressington with respect to this bill. She came to us with passion and a concept and we were happy to work with her to achieve this result. The bill shows that the Rann government puts the people of South Australia first. We will always listen, and we are prepared to accept good ideas and support them, no matter from where they originate.

[Sitting suspended from 18:00 to 19:45]

Clause passed.

Remaining clauses (2 to 4), schedule and title passed.

Bill taken through committee without amendment.

Third Reading

Bill read a third time and passed.