Pubdate: Tue, 8 Feb 2005
Source: Mercury, The (Australia)
Copyright: 2005 Davies Brothers Ltd
Contact:  http://www.themercury.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/193
Author: Sue Neales
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

BACKFLIP BY GREENS ON MARIJUANA

THE Tasmanian Greens party has axed its long-held policy calling for
the legalisation of marijuana in a major policy backflip designed to
win mainstream votes.

Instead, Greens justice spokesman Nick McKim has called for tough new
criminal sanctions to be introduced for the trafficking of illegal
drugs.

Mr McKim acknowledged that the policy somersault meant there was now
little difference between the Greens' drugs policy and that of the
Labor Government.

He also made no apology for the drugs policy change, admitting it was
a vote-catching exercise to win seats at the state election.

Mr McKim also said a new policy that was hard on drug traffickers
while aimed at minimising harm for drug users eliminated the chance
opposing political parties would use the Greens' traditionally soft
drugs stance to smear the party and its candidates.

At the last federal election, false political propaganda was spread
about the Greens party's lax attitude to marijuana, which is believed
to have severely hampered its election efforts.

"We're here to get as many votes as we can, so we can put in place our
public policies on a number of issues," Mr McKim said.

"We want a mature debate about the issue of drug use.

The major planks of the new drugs policy are:

* Criminal sanctions including imprisonment for drug
traffickers.

* The personal use of drugs be treated as a health
issue.

* Recognition that there are serious health risks in all drug use,
including alcohol and tobacco.

* A compassionate approach be taken to people with health problems as
a result of personal drug use. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake