DRUG REFORM SUPPORT GROWS

THE decriminalisation of cannabis was long overdue and would not lead to
increased drug usage, according to drug law reform campaigners.

But the anti-drug lobby has attacked plans to overhaul WA's cannabis laws,
claiming drug use will rocket, especially among children.

Under legislation to be presented to State Parliament later this year,
people caught with two plants or less than 30g of cannabis will face
on-the-spot fines instead of a criminal conviction.

No limit will be set on the number of times a person can be fined, though
police will retain discretionary powers to lay criminal charges. Australian
Drug Law Reform Foundation State president Jason Meotti said the reforms,
outlined yesterday, reflected changing community attitudes and a growing
acceptance of cannabis use.

He said removing the stigma associated with the drug would also encourage
those with dependency problems to seek help.

"By taking it out of the criminal realm, people with cannabis use problems
may actually seek help, particularly those who hold significant positions
who may have been reluctant to come forward in the past," he said.

Australian Family Association State president John Barich disagreed,
claiming the Government was sending a message to young people that drug use
was acceptable.

He predicted a strong backlash from parents and others opposed to drugs.

"With all the information we have from South Australia where the usage sky
rocketed (after decriminalisation), parents will not have a bar of this,"
he said.

"Geoff Gallop will be hounded on this all the way to the next election."

WA Police Union president Michael Dean also said he was concerned.

"There is a risk with this sort of legislation of making it (cannabis use)
seem like acceptable conduct," Mr Dean said.

He said leaving it up to police to decide who was charged and who received
a fine could also cause problems. "I understand why they are changing the
laws because it will free up police resources to focus on suppliers," Mr
Dean said.

"But I am concerned that the discretionary powers they plan to create could
create confusion if the police service does not outline clear guidelines."

The police service has supported the proposed plan.

Commissioner Barry Matthews has told the State Government that the planned
changes are workable and will help free police resources to focus on more
serious crime.

But Liberal Party leader Colin Barnett said the proposed legislation would
be opposed by his party when presented before State Parliament.

He said if the Government proceeded with its plans, drugs would become the
main issue that the next election would be fought on.

"You have a Government in this State simply pandering to minority groups,"
Mr Barnett said.