Criminal Assets Confiscation (Prescribed Drug Offenders) Amendment Bill

Second Reading

Adjourned debate on second reading.

(Continued from 24 March 2015.)

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (16:09): I rise for the third time now to speak very briefly on the Criminal Assets Confiscation (Prescribed Drug Offenders) Amendment Bill. As honourable members are aware, this bill is identical to that debated in this place just last year. I will not repeat what I have said on the record previously, other than to flag that I intend to move or support those amendments aimed at addressing the issue of the medicinal use of cannabis oil, ensuring that funds received from the seizure of assets are directed towards the Victims of Crime Fund and towards drug rehabilitation programs, and ensuring that the operation of the act is subject to a review.

I note that when these amendments were moved last year they were rejected by the government. I have not had any discussions with the government this year that would lead me to believe that its position has changed, particularly in relation to the restorative justice fund. The fact that the current bill is identical to the one introduced last year also tends to suggest that the government is not contemplating supporting any of the amendments. That said, I have not given up hope either.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. J.M. Gazzola.