CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES (SIMPLE CANNABIS OFFENCES) AMENDMENT BILL

Committee Stage

In committee.

Clause 1.

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON: First, I would like to make the point that this bill is about dealing with the attitude of the government that the possession, use and cultivation of a small amount of cannabis is somehow acceptable. This bill will bring South Australia into line with other states and allow 25 grams of cannabis for personal use, which is about the average of what the other states allow.

The Hon. Russell Wortley stated in his response that cannabis use is declining. It is, and that should be celebrated. However, we cannot rest on our laurels; Australia still has the highest rate of use in the developed world of 17.93 per cent. I am hoping that the government will, in time, if it is not going to support this particular bill, see the common sense of not decriminalising street dealing because that is actually where the problem begins in the first place.

Clause passed.

Clauses 2 and 3 passed.

Clause 4.

The Hon. M. PARNELL: I want to put on the record that the Greens support clause 4(1) and 4(3), which relate to a new requirement for alleged offenders to be given a notice containing prescribed information. It seems to us that this is a sensible measure. It is consistent with the approach that the Greens take to matters such as this, where we look at the issue of misuse of drugs as primarily a health issue. I think the honourable member is correct when she notes that there is not enough information out there in the community about the effects of drugs, including cannabis, on health and, in particular, on mental health. The Greens believe that it would be a useful addition to our statute books to require prescribed health information to be provided to alleged offenders.

Clause passed.

Remaining clause (5) and title passed.

Bill reported without amendment.

Third Reading

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON (17:36): I move:

That this bill be now read a third time.

Bill read a third time and passed.