Pubdate: Thu, 17 Apr 2003
Source: West Australian (Australia)
Copyright: 2003 West Australian Newspapers Limited
Contact:  http://www.thewest.com.au
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/495
Author: Cian Manton, Mark Mallabone and Steve Butler

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.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth