Mr STIRLING - 1995-08-15
I draw the attention of the Deputy Chief Minister attention to his press release of 27 January 1994 in which he described as `appalling' Labor policies on drug penalties - policies similar to those proposed now by his Chief Minister. The Deputy Chief Minister said:
Mr Ede is being hypocritical in saying Labor would not decriminalise possession of drugs but then saying that
Labor would soften the penalties for such offences. Mr Reed said that the Territory government's strong
anti-drug laws were already flexible enough to deal with minor infringements and should not be weakened.
Further, at a time when the community is calling for tougher penalties for serious crimes, Brian Ede and the
Territory Labor Party are going soft on people involved in illegal drugs.
Given that little outburst, how does the Deputy Chief Minister feel about the Chief Minister's discussion paper?
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am not sure about the appropriateness of this question. It was directed to me as Deputy Chief Minister ...
Mr Ede: That is what you are.
Mr REED: I was not at that time.
The question does not relate to a matter within my responsibilities as a minister of this government.
Members interjecting.
Mr REED: If you want an answer, I will give you one.
I believe that the remarks I made were, and remain, appropriate. The fact is that we have very strong laws that discourage drug use. I think that is most appropriate and it has served us well. The second fact is that a discussion paper is before Territorians. They can contribute their views on those laws and on laws which they consider may be appropriate for the future. That too is a most appropriate action for a government to take. If the member for Nhulunbuy wants to make smart points, let him do so through the process of contributing to the discussion paper which would enable him to be a little more productive than he has been in the past.
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Mr Ede is being hypocritical in saying Labor would not decriminalise possession of drugs but then saying that
Labor would soften the penalties for such offences. Mr Reed said that the Territory government's strong
anti-drug laws were already flexible enough to deal with minor infringements and should not be weakened.
Further, at a time when the community is calling for tougher penalties for serious crimes, Brian Ede and the
Territory Labor Party are going soft on people involved in illegal drugs.
Given that little outburst, how does the Deputy Chief Minister feel about the Chief Minister's discussion paper?
Page 691
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am not sure about the appropriateness of this question. It was directed to me as Deputy Chief Minister ...
Mr Ede: That is what you are.
Mr REED: I was not at that time.
The question does not relate to a matter within my responsibilities as a minister of this government.
Members interjecting.
Mr REED: If you want an answer, I will give you one.
I believe that the remarks I made were, and remain, appropriate. The fact is that we have very strong laws that discourage drug use. I think that is most appropriate and it has served us well. The second fact is that a discussion paper is before Territorians. They can contribute their views on those laws and on laws which they consider may be appropriate for the future. That too is a most appropriate action for a government to take. If the member for Nhulunbuy wants to make smart points, let him do so through the process of contributing to the discussion paper which would enable him to be a little more productive than he has been in the past.
Page 692
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016