DRUG SCHEME BACKED

VETERAN youth worker the Rev. George Davies has urged the WA Opposition to
take a more broadminded and consistent approach on cannabis.

He took issue with shadow police minister Matt Birney's misgivings about
the current cannabis cautioning scheme and Government plans to expand it.

Mr Davies said cautioning had been seen as positive when initiated by the
former coalition government. It helped avoid costs and alienation
associated with taking minor offenders to court, and decriminalisation
could help keep young people away from contact with crime via the blackmarket.

The Government is expected to introduce legislation soon giving police
discretion to issue an infringement notice or charge a person in possession
of less than 30g of cannabis or up to two plants.