PRESS RELEASE - 23rd MARCH, 2004

Edition 34.

Cannabis News Items From Around the World

Nimbin MardiGrass Program viewable!

Now on the MardiGrass site at:http://www.nimbinmardigrass.com/2004/program04.html

Darwin: Network Against Prohibition (NAP) celebrate 2nd Birthday

The lighting of a 1 metre joint will mark the 2nd birthday of the Network Against Prohibition (NAP) in Darwin tomorrow.

For 2 years, community members have campaigned against the NT Labor Government’s "drug house" laws that allow Northern Territory police to:

• Signpost a home or business with a 1.2 metre high flourescent green sign
  
• Raid the home or business without a warrant whenever they want
  
• Charge everyone present at the home or business with the possession of an illicit drug found at the premises
  
• Use restraining orders to "ban" people from the home or business
  
• Do cavity searches on people present at the home or business
  
• Stop and question anyone within 200 metres of the home or business
  
• A home or business can be declared a "drug house" if police have found drugs on the premises 3 times in one year or if the commissioner of police reasonably believes that a home or business is being used to sell currently illicit drugs.
• An application to declare the home or business as a "drug house" is made by police in the Magistrate’s court. The police only need to prove on the "balance of probabilities" that the home or business is being used to sell drugs. They do not have to prove beyond reasonable doubt.
• The police do not need to have any convictions before a home or business is declared a "drug premises".

Since March 2002, the NT community has waged a campaign against the "drug house" legislation and zero tolerance attitudes that have been adopted by the NT Labor Government. NAP formed as a response to the NT labor parties draconian legislation and the network has facilitated ongoing demonstrations to highlight the human rights abuses faced by users of currently illicit drugs in the Northern Territory.

NAP spokesperson Gary Meyerhoff said "the NT community is united in opposition to Labor’s NAZI drug legislation. The NT Government is so concerned about the NAP campaign that they have instructed the NT police to intimidate and harass NAP members."

NT police have attacked peaceful demonstrators at 2 community smoke-ins and have laid over a hundred criminal charges against NAP members for participation in drug law reform demonstrations. Five members of the network still face jail for peacefully entering the NT Legislative Assembly as the drug laws were debated in May 2002.

Meyerhoff said "due to the insidious level of corruption within the NT police, government and public service, NAP’s loud and vocal campaign for drug law reform is a sensitive area for the local elite."

This will be the 16th Community Smoke-in for Human Rights held since the election of the Labor Government in the Northern Territory in 2001. The event, held at Darwin’s Raintree park, kicks off at 12noon, and will feature a range of speakers, a free bbq and some live music.

NAP will also be making an announcement about their campaign for a "Prohibition-free" City of Darwin in the local government elections in May.

For more information ring 0415 16 2525 (61 415 16 2525 from overseas) or see http://www.napnt.org

CANNABIS USE DECRIMINALISED in WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2004 08:15:20 -0800
Mail: mapnews@mapinc.org (MAPNews)
Subject: MN: Australia: Wire: Cannabis Use Decriminalised
Newshawk: Doug McVay
http://www.CommonSenseDrugPolicy.org/
Pubdate: Mon, 22 Mar 2004
Source: Australian Associated Press (Australia Wire)
Copyright: 2004 Australian Associated Press

CANNABIS USE DECRIMINALISED

SOFT new cannabis laws in Western Australia would place young people at risk of serious physical and mental health problems, the state opposition said yesterday.

From today, possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis and the cultivation of up to two plants will be
decriminalised, attracting a fine or education session.

Opposition Leader Colin Barnett said it was "irresponsible in the extreme" to soften penalties for using and growing the drug in the face of mounting evidence of its dangers.

"There is clear scientific evidence that cannabis use is linked with depression and anxiety in youths and an increased risk of psychotic disorders such as paranoia, manic depression and schizophrenia," Mr Barnett said.

"Physical health impacts include a higher risk of throat, lung, mouth and tongue cancer, reproductive problems and possible impaired educational development in adolescents."

The opposition leader said a 1992 report carried out by the US Drug Enforcement Administration showed one standard, outdoor plant could produce 448g of cannabis after 120 days, while two
plants, harvested three times a year, could yield more than 2.5kg of cannabis.

"Under Labor's legislation the possession of those two plants will attract no greater penalty than a fine of up to $200," he said.

"To make matters worse the legislation allows for an unlimited number of cautions to be issued for possession and cultivation and only an education session for repeat offenders.

"Such a soft approach to law enforcement for the abuse of an illicit drug is a recipe for disaster and it is our children and their families who will pay."

Mr Barnett said the softening of WA's cannabis laws would only benefit those who "profit from the misery of drug abuse".

WHO report calls for new approach to substance dependence

WHO report calls for new approach to substance dependence  (BMJ link)
Scientists have recently gained vital new insights into drug, alcohol, and tobacco dependence, but this knowledge has not been translated effectively into public health policy, the World Health Organization said in a new report published on Thursday [British Medical Journal, UK]

The WHO report called on governments not to treat dependence on tobacco, alcohol, and drugs as a failure of will or strength of character, but more as a neurological or psychiatric disorder that may not be curable but can be treated effectively.

http://www.who.int/whr/2003/en/  (WHO link)

Burnet Institute suggests different approaches

Newshawk: Peter Higgs
Pubdate: Sat, 06 Mar 2004
Source: Age, The (Australia) Copyright: 2004 The Age Company Ltd
Contact: letters@theage.com.au
Website: http://www.theage.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5 Author: Peter Higgs Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n398/a07.html

THE SMART WAY TO TACKLE DRUGS

The Burnet Institute has carried out health-focused research with drug users for more than 15 years. Much of this has occurred during periods of increased police activity. The recent crackdowns on drug trafficking in Footscray (The Age, 5/3) are old news. Police strategies aimed at controlling the use and availability of heroin provide solutions for only a minority of those involved. These crackdowns will never reduce the amount of heroin available on the streets. Research here and in Sydney shows that they only increase drug users' risk of overdose, HIV and hepatitis C. Crackdowns will clog up our already stretched court and prison systems and send drug users away from the health services that governments provide. Instead, multi-faceted, integrated, co-ordinated and sustainable programs must be resourced and developed to deliver positive outcomes for drug users, local traders and the community. Peter Higgs, research officer the Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Melbourne

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DRUGS MEMBERS, 2004-2007

It gives me great pleasure today to announce the membership of the Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD) for its forthcoming three year term, under the continuing chairmanship of Major Brian Watters AO.

The ANCD is the Australian Government’s key advisory body on illicit drugs policy. It has played an important role in the development and implementation of effective strategies to address illicit drug use in our communities.

I am confident that the new membership of the ANCD has the right mix of experience, knowledge and expertise to provide advice to government on this very complex matter. The ANCD’s advice over the next three years will be vital to support ongoing policy and programmes and to shape government responses to emerging illicit drug priorities, including:

· amphetamines and other stimulant drugs;

· treatment programmes for people with both mental health and illicit drug problems; and

· working collaboratively with countries in the Asia-Pacific region to combat illicit drugs.

Many challenges remain in our fight against illicit drugs in this country. Together the ANCD and the Australian Government will continue to develop and implement a balanced and comprehensive response though law enforcement, prevention, education and treatment services.

To those departing members, I thank you for your dedication and hard work on the ANCD and wish you well in your future endeavours. I would also like to welcome four new members and look forward to working with the new ANCD in the future.

The full list of the ANCD’s membership follows

10 March 2004

The following people have been appointed to the ANCD (2004-07):

Major Brian Watters AO, as chairman of the Council

Associate Professor Robert Ali

Mr David Crosbie

Mr Nick Gill

Professor Margaret Hamilton

Ms Julie Hanbury

Mr Jeff Linden

Professor Richard Mattick

Ms Tonie Miller

Mr Garth Popple

Professor John Saunders

Professor Ian Webster AO

Associate Professor Ted Wilkes

Mr Scott Wilson

Mr Dennis Young

The following people are ex-officio members:

Commissioner Mick Keelty, as deputy chairman of the Council

Superintendent Frank Hansen

Ms Wendy Teasdale-Smith

Abbot's Aborted "Soft on Drugs" smear misses the Mark.

Tuesday, 23 March 2004

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Health: Tough on Drugs Strategy

Mr FARMER (2.52 p.m.)-My question is addressed to the Minister for Health and Ageing. Would the minister please inform the House of the results to date of the government's Tough on Drugs policy? Is the minister aware of any alternative policies?

Mr ABBOTT-I thank the member for Macarthur for his question. I want to say that everyone knows where the member for Macarthur stands on drugs. Everyone knows where the Howard government stands on drugs. The Howard government's policy is clear: it is to be tough on drugs. Since 1997 the Howard government has spent more than $1 billion to cut the use of illicit drugs, to cut the demand for illicit drugs and to help the victims of this evil trade which destroys young lives, which breaks up families and which can poison entire communities. I am pleased to say to the member for Macarthur that there are some encouraging signs that the Howard government's policies are working. The most recent national survey on drugs showed a 23 per cent reduction in people using illicit drugs since 1998. The proportion using heroin dropped from 0.8 per cent to 0.2 per cent. Most of all, there has been a big drop in the number of drug related deaths, from over 1,100 in 1999 to under 400 in 2002. Not only that, but families are now talking about the dangers of illicit drugs. As part of the 2001 Illicit Drugs Campaign, some 78 per cent of parents spoke to their children on this topic. In 2002 there were some 30,000 treatment courses, compared to just 19,000 treatment courses in the previous year. I have been asked about alternative policies. Back in the days when he was a frontbencher, the Leader of the Opposition was asked about heroin trials. He said: Perhaps the rest of the nation can learn something from a limited trial in the ACT. He went on to say: I would think it's just common sense to have heroin addicts in a controlled environment where there's proper supervision ... He was asked again about drug trials and injecting rooms when he became Leader of the Opposition. He said last month: Labor has said consistently we'll support trials ... He has never seen a drug experiment that he has not supported. He wants to read books to kids when they are five and he wants to give them access to drug injecting rooms when they are 15. Opposition members interjecting-

Mr ABBOTT-He is not the only one on the other side of this parliament who is soft on drug abuse. Opposition members interjecting-

The SPEAKER-Order! The minister will resume his seat. I have required the minister to resume his seat because I do not believe the accusation he made should be allowed to stand.

Opposition members-Hear, hear!

Opposition members interjecting-

The SPEAKER-I am getting no help from those on my left when I would have thought I was attempting to exercise some impartiality. The minister made an accusation about the Leader of the Opposition that, if I had been the Leader of the Opposition, I would have found offensive.

Mr Howard-But has he?

Opposition members interjecting-

The SPEAKER-If those on my left wish, I will deal with them, or they will exercise the courtesy that might reasonably be expected at any time but even more acutely at a time like this. I remind the Prime Minister that the question of whether or not a statement is offensive is a question over which the chair has adjudication. I ask the Minister for Health and Ageing to rephrase that statement.

Mr ABBOTT-Mr Speaker, I am happy to withdraw the statement that you found offensive. I simply make the point that the Leader of the Opposition is on the record supporting heroin trials and supporting injecting rooms. Labor have said consistently: 'We'll support trials.' They are the words of the Leader of the Opposition himself. No wonder he did not find them offensive; obviously he is proud of them. But he is not the only one on the other side of this parliament who is consistently soft on drug abuse. The member for Wills supported the ACT heroin trial. The member for Wat- son supports injecting rooms. The member for heroin -

Honourable members interjecting-

Mr ABBOTT-The member for Sydney. Sorry, that was a Freudian slip! She recognises herself. The member for Sydney supports heroin injecting rooms. Then of course there is the member for Grayndler-where is he at the moment?-who said: ... drug dependence is a medical not a criminal problem ... He not only supports the injecting room, which has been such a magnet for drug pushers; he does not even think that drugs should be illegal. Then there is the ALP's 2001 policy statement, under the member for Brand, which said: Labor will combat drug abuse ... That strong statement is completely absent from the current policy endorsed by the Leader of the Opposition. I call on the Leader of the Opposition to say precisely where he stands. Where does he stand on illicit drugs? Will he oppose drug trials? Will he oppose the injecting rooms? And will he do his bit to end that climate of despair and defeatism which says that our role is to help people manage their addictions, not to do the right thing and help people to get off illegal drugs.

Mr Barresi interjecting-

Mr Leo McLeay interjecting-

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