Tuesday, 28 May 2024

Petitions

Cannabis law reform

Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) presented a petition bearing 2785 signatures:

The Petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council that the criminalisation of cannabis has failed to reduce demand or supply in the illicit market and the 1 in 3 Australians who have accessed cannabis should not be classed as criminals.

Cannabis criminalisation harms the community, wastes millions of dollars on law enforcement, disproportionately impacts First Nations people and prevents us from enjoying the economic and social benefits of a regulated cannabis market.

The Petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to change the laws so that Victorian adults can responsibly consume and possess small quantities of cannabis without fear of persecution.

Rachel PAYNE: As this is a petition qualifying for debate under standing order 11.03(10), I give notice that I intend to move ‘That the petition be taken into consideration’ on Wednesday of next sitting week.