Concerns raised over new drug laws

[Oz]

There is concern many young people will be labelled serious drug offenders if the ACT Legislative Assembly passes tough new drug laws today.

The Government's proposed changes will see an increase in the maximum penalties for drug manufacturing, cultivation and supply.

Brian McConnell from Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform says punishing people with drug addictions will not help them.

He says the legislation is draconian and should be subject to public scrutiny.

"We're asking the Government to withdraw this bill or refer it to a committee but certainly do something that will consider all of the implications of the bill and not just charge along without the proper consultation as it should be that it should be doing," he said."

He says there is also concern about moves to toughen the cannabis offence notice system.

"It's winding back the simple cannabis offence notice system," he said.

"The simple cannabis offence notice has served the ACT very well and hasn't caused increased drug use over and above what is happening elsewhere in Australia."

 

 

Author: ABC

Date: 17/08/04

Source: ABC

Copyright: © 2004 Australian Broadcasting Corporation