Pot `decriminalised in Queensland by 1995'
By Geoffrey Nicholson
BRISBANE -- Marijuana could be decriminalised in Queensland by 1995 if enough political pressure is placed upon the Goss Labor government, according to HEMP (Help End Marijuana Prohibition) spokesperson Roger Brand.
“It's going to take pressure from groups like ourselves to get Goss to change his mind”, he said. “But we could see decriminalisation by the end of the year if Goss takes on the final CJC [Criminal Justice Commission] report -- assuming that it's positive.”
The CJC is currently investigating whether decriminalisation is a practical reform to Queensland's marijuana laws. In July 1993 it released a discussion paper entitled “Cannabis and the law in Queensland”. Some of the premier's close advisers regard the document as a disguised campaign for decriminalisation. The final CJC report, which is likely to recommend legal reform, is expected in April.
Although Goss has publicly stated that he personally opposes altering current laws, the issue is expected to be raised at the next ALP state conference in June/July.
Brand said the state government will be embroiled in public debate because ALP policy supports decriminalisation and the removal of criminal records for possession. Current laws allow for prison terms of up to 15 years for the possession of 100 plants or 500 grams of pot.
Brand said up to 40% of Queenslanders support decriminalisation and they could soon become a majority if more drug education is made available.
In Queensland, cannabis has been used by just under a third of the population, with 10% using it last year. A 1991 National Campaign Against Drug Abuse survey found that at least 83,600 people use cannabis at least once a week.
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