NATIONALS LEADER IN CANNABIS BACKFLIP

WA National Pary leader Max Trenorden has made an about-face on cannabis
decriminalisation and spoken out against the State Government's proposed
law reforms.

In debate on the legislation late on Tuesday night, Mr Trenorden said he
had changed his view and would oppose the laws, after observing the results
of cannabis use in the community.

Rockingham MLA Mark McGowan had said earlier he expected the Nationals to
support the Bill because it coincided with the party's cannabis use policy,
passed at its State conference in Hyden in 1998.

"Back in 1998, I argued a case within the National Party to decriminalise
the use of marijuana but now I am totally opposed to that view, after five
years of looking at it," Mr Trenorden said.

"In 1998, I listened to the youth of my electorate saying that cannabis was
of no detriment to people at all ... there is now ample evidence that is
not true. I will not say to the youth of my district that it is OK to use
marijuana."

He said the link between cannabis and suicide statistics was what had
tipped the scale on his views.

Under the Bill, people growing two cannabis plants or possessing less than
30g of the drug for personal use will be issued an on-the-spot fine of up
to $200.

The National Party leader said outside Parliament that although the
Nationals' policy of fining first and second-time offenders caught with
small quantities for personal use still stood, the Government's Bill was
not about small quantities.

"Thirty grams for personal use is too high" Mr Trenorden said. He said
both the lay party and the parliamentary party were opposed to cultivation.

Shadow transport minister Katie Hodson-Thomas accused te Gallop Government
of hypcrisy for forcing MPs to sit late, despite warning the public of the
risks of driving tired.

"I think they are being reckless and they are putting staff and members'
lives at risks," she said yesterday.

Lower House leader John Kobelke's decision last night to gag debate on
lowering possession limits sparked an uproar.

Deputy speaker Dianne Guise made the rare move of leaving the chair.
Independent MP Phil Pendal left the House and was unable to vote when Ms
Guise returned about five minutes later.

Kingsley MLA Cheryl Edwardes said the gag prevented Health Minister Bob
Kucera from answering questions.