United statement on cannabis misleading

Progressive MP Matt Robson says a press statement issued today in the name of United Future Outdoor MP Judy Turner on cannabis is misleading.

A statement was issued in Ms. Turner's name which implies that the government has been able to change the legal status of cannabis merely by "ministerial sign-off" but that somehow United has now stopped this possibility from happening in the future.

"There never was a possibility of a minister in this or any government merely signing-off on a change to the legal status of any drug, let alone cannabis!

"Parliament always had a vote on the legal status of drugs like cannabis.

“The existing mechanism to re-classify a substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act requires (1) expert advice, (2) ministerial acceptance, (3) an Order-in-Council that is required to go to the Health Select Committee and (4) any change must first win an affirmative resolution by a majority in Parliament. This is all set out in the Standing Orders.

"The Progressive Party opposes any change to the current illegal status of cannabis unless or until a broad consensus emerges in the scientific world that the drug poses no significant health risks.

"So long as a majority in our Parliament continue to share our pre-cautionary approach, then there will be no change to the illegal status of cannabis," Matt Robson said.