ACCIDENTAL MP BEGINS DRUG FIGHT

THE state's "accidental politician" Ann Bressington has vowed to push
for zero tolerance on drugs, limited rights for same-sex couples and
the outlawing of pill-testing at rave parties.

Ms Bressington, who was elected on the success of Nick Xenophon's No
Pokies ticket, has resigned her long-term position as Drugbeat SA
chief executive, but has vowed to remain vocal on drugs.

She was supportive of a zero tolerance approach for drug
manufacturers and distributors, but did not support fines or jail
terms for users.

Cannabis should not be recriminalised, she said, with users instead
diverted into treatment and counselling. "I would hate to see it
recriminalised to the point where a young teenager makes a mistake,
has a cone or is caught with a joint and then has a criminal record,"
Ms Bressington said.

"I don't think that serves any useful purpose at all. But as far as
growth, manufacture, and distribution, I think we have to get much
tougher with people."

Ms Bressington said she would push for mandatory, abstinence-based
treatment for problematic drug users.

She said she was opposed to heroin trials and shooting galleries,
saying she didn't believe they weaned junkies off their addiction.

She also does not support pill testing at rave parties, and is in
favour of introducing a "Rave Squad", where young people go
undercover at rave parties to detect drug dealers. However, Ms
Bressington acknowledged the issue needed "wide debate".

On other social issues, she said:

SHE did not support legalising brothels, because she was concerned
"most prostitutes are supporting a drug habit";

SAME-SEX couples should have "the basic human rights of every
person", but said she would not vote in favour of same-sex marriage
or adoption.