It’s time for a sensible approach to cannabis. Our current laws aren’t just ineffective and outdated, they actually ruin people’s lives. About 700,000 Victorians consume illicit cannabis every year and around 9,000 of them face criminal penalties for doing so. Nationally we spend around $3.5 billion a year on police and court costs to continue the failed war on drugs. It just doesn’t make sense and the community demands better. It’s time to relax the laws.
OUR UNJUST LAWS MAKE CRIMINALS OF DECENT, HARDWORKING AUSTRALIANS, AND PERVERSELY, CREATE A HUGE ILLICIT MARKET RUN BY ORGANISED CRIME
There have been over 700,000 arrests in Australia for cannabis-related offences since 2010. Over 90% of these arrests were merely for possessing or consuming cannabis. Young people, Indigenous people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds are all over-represented in these statistics, and we need to come together as a society to do something about it.
That’s why in 2023, we introduced a Bill which would allow adults to:
- Consume cannabis in a private place
- Possess up to 50g in a public place
- Grow up to six plants at home
- Share small amounts of cannabis with friends or people they care for.
PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE OUR MODEL FOR CHANGE
On September 11, 2024, the government and members of the crossbench passed our motion to refer our bill to a parliamentary committee for inquiry, consideration and report.
The bill review will commence in February 2025 and be completed by 18 March 2025. The committee will also consider the impacts of the A.C.T.’s decriminalisation of cannabis.
This process will include submissions, public hearings, and a final report which the government must respond to within six months. This is a huge opportunity for MPs across the political spectrum to seriously consider ending cannabis prohibition in Victoria — and we need you to be a part of it!
SUPPORT OUR CAMPAIGN
The harms created by the criminalisation of cannabis continue to hurt decent, hardworking Victorians. That is why it is so important that we continue to pressure the government to act.
Whether it’s a letter to the Premier or your local member, using your voice on social media or in your community — every bit of advocacy helps to make change!
Let’s shift the conversation around cannabis.
WHAT’S NEXT?
We will keep you updated on this process and opportunities to become involved. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my office.
We know that over 80% of people support cannabis no longer being a criminal offence, and we need politicians to catch up. Do you believe that cannabis reform is long overdue? Then sign up to get involved!
Related Resources
> Media Release: Legalise Cannabis introduces Bill in three states
> Regulation of Personal Adult Use of Cannabis Bill 2023
> The ACT’s legislative review of cannabis decriminalisation
