DRUG BILL LABELLED "TROUBLE"

DAWESVILLE MLA Arthur Marshall has labelled the State Government's proposal
to decriminalise cannabis as "trouble" that "attacks the vulnerability of
youth".

Mr Marshall spoke passionately against the Bill that was passed in the Lower
House last month.

Its fate will be decided in the Upper House later this year.

"To allow all West Australians to grow two marijuana plants in their
backyard is just asking for trouble," he said.

"It will lead to lower drug prices and increased availability. "Now regular
cannabis users need go only into their backyards to ensure they keep getting
those kicks.

"I simply ask what two backyard plants will be worth on the street and what
will they do to a youngster who wishes to experience with drugs; to the
health and wellbeing of happy families; to the addicts who live next door;
to the out-of-control home invasion statistics; to suicidal youth; and to
youngsters who hear the wrong message when it is said that a little bit is
okay."

However, Mandurah MLA David Templeman said the opposition was using
intimidation tactics to scare the public.

He said his support of the Bill did not indicate a tolerance for substance
abuse.

"I don't walk away from the fact that cannabis is harmful," Mr Templeman
said.

"Ideally, no one in our society would use it but in reality there is
widespread cannabis use.

"I believe the new bill targets dealers specifically. The Opposition can go
around and attempt to scare people by saying it will encourage drug use, but
the reality is the current system is not working.

"We're not going to sit back and do nothing about it. We are making a real
attempt to improve the system.

"It is important to remember police indicate support for this Bill."

But Mr Marshall said a petition circulated by people in south Mandurah
revealed 90 percent of the community was against the decriminalisation of
cannabis.

He said the State's mental health system was out of control and could not
supply the necessary services to drug-affected youths.

Mr Templeman said public education would follow if the Bill was passed
through the Upper House.

"Like any changes, people need to be aware of what the current system
delivers," he said

"This legislation means the actual two people who are cultivating and
dealing are the ones held up accountable, first and foremost."