3 STRIKES PLAN ON CANNABIS

REPEAT cannabis offenders will be allowed three strikes before being
forced into court or education, under a new State Government plan.

Health Minister Jim McGinty's parliamentary secretary Sue Ellery said
the new amendment to the controversial Cannabis Control Bill would be
lodged today.

Ms Ellery said it would target repeat offenders who would have to
choose between a court appearance or education session on the third
occasion in three years they were dealt with under the cannabis
infringement system.

Police would retain discretion on whether to issue infringement
notices or lay criminal charges.

Opposition drug strategy spokesman Simon O'Brien described the change
as pathetic. Offenders should be forced into the choice at first
infringement.

Mr O'Brien said the amendment continued the Gallop Government's soft
approach to drug users and would have little effect on repeat
offenders because statistics showed only 8 per cent were caught again
in a three-year period.

The Opposition remained opposed to the Bill, which will be debated in
the Legislative Council on Tuesday.

"If you haven't got the message after being caught the first time, are
you ever going to get the message?" Mr O'Brien said.

"The Government is pretending that cannabis is a serious issue, but
facilitating those who are acting in direct conflict with the laws of
the State."

Ms Ellery said the amendment toughened the Government's stance on
repeat offenders. They would be better dealt with through education
rather than the criminal justice system, which had not worked previously.

"We're sending a message that the real emphasis is on getting them
into treatment ahd having a choice - it would be a very silly person
who doesn't make the right choice," Ms Ellery said.

"Cannabis remains illegal because it is a harmful drug. But the
community doesn't believe it is fair for young people to get a
criminal conviction for something so widespread at a time in their
lives when they are trying all types of things."

Greens (WA) spokeswoman Christine Sharp said the amendment improved
the Bill by providing an intervention element and targeting chronic
cannabis users.