Page 2159 - Week 07 - Thursday, 7 August 2014
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The model I have presented allows people access to pain relief and treatment now and is a suitable model to start with while we determine how to move to a fully functioning model of government supply, if that is what is agreed upon. In this context, I note that my legislation contains a review clause to apply after three years and will establish a multi-stakeholder committee and require the tabling of a review in the Legislative Assembly. This is a built-in mechanism to encourage the Assembly to change or otherwise expand the scheme if it is required.
I want to thank my Assembly colleagues for the consideration they have given to this proposal so far. I have talked about it to both the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. While each of them has some doubts and concerns, which is understandable, they have also promised to consider the proposal with an open mind. And I reiterate my promise that I will work openly with them and I am willing to consider any amendments or suggestions they may have prior to tabling a final version of this bill.
I also extend a genuine offer to any other MLA who wants to discuss this issue further, even if they just wish me to put them in touch with medical experts or people in the community who can share their knowledge or experiences.
I believe on this issue it is possible for this Assembly to cooperate and endorse a scheme for the provision of medical cannabis to those who are sick or dying, with the supervision and support of medical practitioners. We can make life more bearable and more dignified for people who are dying from a terminal illness or suffering from chronic pain or intolerable symptoms. That would be an enduring legacy for the ACT and one that would make a very real contribution to many people’s lives.
I commend the exposure draft and the discussion paper to the Assembly.
Motion (by Dr Bourke, by leave) proposed:
That the exposure draft of the Drugs of Dependence (Cannabis Use for Medical Purposes) Amendment Bill 2014 and the related discussion paper be referred to the Standing Committee on Health, Ageing, Community and Social Services for inquiry and report by the last sitting day in June 2015.
MR RATTENBURY (Molonglo) (10.28): I am happy to support this move by Dr Bourke. I think this is a useful initiative to take. It gives all members in this place, particularly the members of the committee, a good opportunity to examine the issue in more depth. I think that is very much the spirit in which I seek to bring this forward. I would note that the New South Wales parliament has recently completed a similar inquiry, and I would urge all members of the committee and the Assembly to look to that. They ended up writing a 115-page report that is extremely comprehensive. They received 123 submissions; they heard from 30 witnesses; and they reached some very strong conclusions in support of the medical use of cannabis. I would see that as a strong foundation for our committee to look to.
MR HANSON (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition) (10.29): At the outset, let me say that the opposition will support a referral of this issue to the health committee. I would like to make some comments around it.
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