LIBERALS RIGHT ON DRUGS REFORM

JASON MEOTTI, of the Australian Drug Law Reform Foundation (The West, May
1), needs to understand that there are very good reasons why independent
and National Party MPs have allied themselves with the strong Liberal
stance against the Gallop Government's proposed new cannabis laws.

It is because the Liberal position is right and these politicians, like the
majority of parents and others in WA, are smart enough to recognise it.

Mr Meotti cannot admit this, but in his heart he knows the case for
decriminalisation has been revealed as the hollow fraud it always was. This
is why he now wants to change the subject and talk about the evils of
"legal drugs". That is a serious matter, but not the question at issue.

Mr Meotti does manage one last go with the tired, discredited arguments of
the drug "reformers":

* That cannabis is not really harmful (evidence shows it is and even the
Government agrees)

* That everyone is doing it (they aren't).

* That refraining from policing our laws will somehow reduce criminal
activity.

Decriminalisation of cannabis, a policy still being pursued by the Gallop
Government, holds no benefits for the people of WA but plenty of
disadvantages. It sends out the wrong message to the community,
particularly young people - that cannabis is not that harmful or serious
(the Government is relaxing the law, after all).

The parking ticket penalty for people cultivating cannabis plants will lead
to two new industries: cannabis growing as a cottage industry; and the
invasion of innocent people's yards and homes by those looking to steal
plants (ask the South Australians).

West Australians don't need or want either phenomenon.

For the record, the Members of the State Parliamentary Liberal Party share
the view that young people should not automatically receive a criminal
record for a minor cannabis offence.

That is why when in government we setup up a process whereby first
offenders could be diverted - if they wanted - to a cannabis education
program as an alternative to a court appearance. What we do not support is
the view that repeat offenders can continue to offend with relative
impunity - the real flaw at the heart of the Gallop Government's legislation.

Simon O'Brien MLC is the Opposition spokesman on drug abuse strategy.