Calls For Territory To Become Drug Mecca

[Oz]

A Darwin mayoral candidate has called for drugs to be legalised to turn the city into "Australia's Amsterdam".

 

Stuart Highway, from the controversial lobby group Network Against Prohibition, said drug tourism would attract thousands of tourists from around the world.

 

Mr Highway is one of seven candidates vying for the top job in the Darwin City Council elections on May 29.

 

"If elected I will use my position as lord mayor to accelerate the Network Against Prohibition campaign for the re-legalisation of all drugs," Mr Highway said.

 

"Once this process is complete, it is hoped that Darwin will become Australia's Amsterdam.

 

"Drug tourism will attract thousands of tourists from around the globe.

 

"Cannabis would be sold from local cafes and other drugs would be available from licensed sellers.

 

"Darwin's nightlife and dance party scene would expand rapidly."

 

NT Attorney General and Health Minister Peter Toyne rejected the idea.

 

"Drugs are a leading cause of health and crime problems in the NT," a spokesman for Dr Toyne said.

 

"It would be irresponsible for any government to promote their use."

 

By Staff Writers

Date: 12/05/04

Source: NEWS.com.au

2004 News Limited

[Tom]

I don't think he has much of a chance, the "other drugs" bit will probably even turn a few mj users away from him.

 

[garywmeyerhoff]

You don't think he has much chance. Well, just for your information, Stuart is in the top 4 out of seven contenders. Peter Adamson and Dawn Lawrie being the top 2 players, with Stuart Highway and Ilana Eldridge (Greens) following close behind.

 

Stuart has been campaigning with the Network Against Prohibition to legalise ALL drugs since it started in 2002, and he has been involved in campaigns prior to that and is very well known around Darwin. He has had a stall with anarchist literature at the Nightcliff markets every sunday for years.

 

It is time for a change in the NT, and end to all of the racism and corruption. I think a lot of people will be voting for Stuart Highway.

 

And even if he doesn't win, the reason that NAP are running Stuart for Lord Mayor and 2 people, including myself for Alderman, is simply to get some publicity on drug law reform issues and that is what we are achieving. Have a look at the Vote 1 Stuart Highway page on the NAP site to see why we are standing and to see some of the media hits Stuart has got already.

 

This new.com.au article came after the tourism council asked us for our policy on tourism. This policy will be circulated to their 450 members next week. Stuart will also address the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. These are perfect forums to push drug law reform.

 

And as for your jibe about "other drugs"... the people of the NT are maybe a little smarter than your average bear. NAP oppose prohibition because of the harm it is doing to society. Ask yourself some questions?

 

If prohibition doesn't work for cannabis, how can it work for amphetamines, heroin, ecstasy etc?

 

Do you support the prohibition of the "other drugs" because it benefits the criminals in Australia or the Terrorists and dictators overseas?

 

In the last council election in Darwin, the Socialist Alliance ran Ruth Ratcliffe for Lord Mayor. Legalise ALL drugs was part of the platform they campaigned on. The NT News gave it virtually a full page and editorial.... and Ruth got 1600 primary votes. Out of 16 lord mayor candidates, she came 8th.

 

Vote 1 Stuart Highway on May 29, and re-legalise all drugs.