COURT RED-FACED AT PRAISE FOR DRUGS 'BACKDOWN'

THE West Australian Government appeared embarrassed yesterday by its
surprise decision to adopt a softer approach to small-time cannabis users,
with ministers refusing to accept the praise of law reform groups.

Announcing a new cautioning system, whereby first offenders caught with
less than 50 grams would not be charged but forced to attend an education
lecture, Drug Strategy Minister Rhonda Parker said the policy was not
inconsistent with the Government's anti-drug rhetoric.

Australian Drug Law Reform Foundation spokesman Jason Meotti said: "It is
good to see the Premier has put aside his personal views in the interests
of attempting to deal with the drug problem more effectively."

Asked whether the Government was happy to accept the praise of law reform
groups for adopting a broad-minded approach to soft drug use, Mrs Parker
said: "Certainly not."

Premier Richard Court last month rejected any softening of cannabis laws,
saying his Government would never "go soft on drugs ... we are not going to
move down a liberal path".

Mr Court was responding to Victoria's decision to caution small-time
marijuana users three times. Repeat offenders will face court under the
West Australian trial.

In 1996, Mr Court described federal Health Minister Michael Wooldridge's
support of decriminalisation as "despicable".

"I would not care if every other State and Territory had moved down a
position of having a softer line on drugs ... we will not go down that
path," he said in the lead-up to the 1996 State election.

Citizens Against Crime spokesman Bob Taylor described Mr Court as a
"hypocrite" on drugs and crime.

"It's totally inconsistent with what he's been saying for years ... I'm
disgusted by the whole thing," Mr Taylor said.

West Australian Police Commissioner Bob Falconer won the argument with
State Cabinet that adopting a more lenient approach to minor drug offenders
would help reduce the pressure on police and court resources.

The State Opposition said two-thirds of teenagers experimented with
cannabis, and applauded the Government for a "worthwhile initiative".

"I hope this major backdown ... signals a new pragmatic approach to the
drug problem by a Government that has had its head in the sand for too
long," spokeswoman Megan Anwyl said.

The trial, initially in two police jurisdictions, begins on October 1 and
will be extended statewide if deemed successful after a year.

Checked-by: (Joel W. Johnson)