Wednesday, 15 October 2025

 David ETTERSHANK (Western Metropolitan) (12:25): (1075) My question is to the Minister for Corrections. Multiple submissions to the Yoorrook Justice Commission noted the disproportionate impact on Aboriginal communities due to the criminalisation of cannabis for personal use, including exposure to harmful impacts of the criminal justice system and imprisonment. The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service have called for the decriminalisation of cannabis as:

… a pathway to prioritise community health, reduce criminal legal system interactions, and improve social and health outcomes for Aboriginal people and their families.

If one of the key aims of the treaty bill being debated in the other place as we speak is to address the criminalisation and over-representation of Aboriginal people in our prisons, why is the government refusing to progress the decriminalisation of cannabis?

Jaclyn Symes: On a point of order, President, I would assert that the Minister for Corrections is not the relevant minister for that particular question, and it might be better directed to the Attorney-General.

The PRESIDENT: Mr Ettershank, are you happy for that to be redirected?

David ETTERSHANK: I am happy with that. Thank you. Yes.

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:26): I thank Mr Ettershank for his question and his interest in this matter. I will make sure that is passed on to the Attorney-General in the other place for a response in line with the standing orders.

 David ETTERSHANK (Western Metropolitan) (12:26): Let us have another punt, shall we? Jurisdictions including Canada, Germany and much of the US that have decriminalised cannabis have seen a substantial reduction in custodial sentences for possession of cannabis, leading to a reduced burden on prison resources and subsequent savings for the state. Given the government’s new tough-on-crime bail laws have resulted in additional strain on Victoria’s correctional facilities, will the government reconsider its opposition to cannabis decriminalisation in order to reduce the burden on our prisons and prison staff?

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:27): I thank Mr Ettershank for his question and his interest in this matter and the impact that decriminalisation has had on other jurisdictions in comparison with Victoria. I am sure the Attorney-General will be happy to answer that question in line with the standing orders.