Pubdate: Fri, 05 Sep 2003 Source: West Australian (Australia) Copyright: 2003 West Australian Newspapers Limited Contact: http://www.thewest.com.au Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/495 Author: Steve Butler 3 STRIKES PLAN ON CANNABIS REPEAT cannabis offenders will be allowed three strikes before being forced into court or education, under a new State Government plan. Health Minister Jim McGinty's parliamentary secretary Sue Ellery said the new amendment to the controversial Cannabis Control Bill would be lodged today. Ms Ellery said it would target repeat offenders who would have to choose between a court appearance or education session on the third occasion in three years they were dealt with under the cannabis infringement system. Police would retain discretion on whether to issue infringement notices or lay criminal charges. Opposition drug strategy spokesman Simon O'Brien described the change as pathetic. Offenders should be forced into the choice at first infringement. Mr O'Brien said the amendment continued the Gallop Government's soft approach to drug users and would have little effect on repeat offenders because statistics showed only 8 per cent were caught again in a three-year period. The Opposition remained opposed to the Bill, which will be debated in the Legislative Council on Tuesday. "If you haven't got the message after being caught the first time, are you ever going to get the message?" Mr O'Brien said. "The Government is pretending that cannabis is a serious issue, but facilitating those who are acting in direct conflict with the laws of the State." Ms Ellery said the amendment toughened the Government's stance on repeat offenders. They would be better dealt with through education rather than the criminal justice system, which had not worked previously. "We're sending a message that the real emphasis is on getting them into treatment ahd having a choice - it would be a very silly person who doesn't make the right choice," Ms Ellery said. "Cannabis remains illegal because it is a harmful drug. But the community doesn't believe it is fair for young people to get a criminal conviction for something so widespread at a time in their lives when they are trying all types of things." Greens (WA) spokeswoman Christine Sharp said the amendment improved the Bill by providing an intervention element and targeting chronic cannabis users. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake