Pubdate: Mon, 10 Apr 2006 Source: Advertiser, The (Australia) Copyright: 2006 Advertiser Newspapers Ltd Contact: http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1 Author: Laura Anderson Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Marijuana) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/raves.htm (Raves) ACCIDENTAL MP BEGINS DRUG FIGHT THE state's "accidental politician" Ann Bressington has vowed to push for zero tolerance on drugs, limited rights for same-sex couples and the outlawing of pill-testing at rave parties. Ms Bressington, who was elected on the success of Nick Xenophon's No Pokies ticket, has resigned her long-term position as Drugbeat SA chief executive, but has vowed to remain vocal on drugs. She was supportive of a zero tolerance approach for drug manufacturers and distributors, but did not support fines or jail terms for users. Cannabis should not be recriminalised, she said, with users instead diverted into treatment and counselling. "I would hate to see it recriminalised to the point where a young teenager makes a mistake, has a cone or is caught with a joint and then has a criminal record," Ms Bressington said. "I don't think that serves any useful purpose at all. But as far as growth, manufacture, and distribution, I think we have to get much tougher with people." Ms Bressington said she would push for mandatory, abstinence-based treatment for problematic drug users. She said she was opposed to heroin trials and shooting galleries, saying she didn't believe they weaned junkies off their addiction. She also does not support pill testing at rave parties, and is in favour of introducing a "Rave Squad", where young people go undercover at rave parties to detect drug dealers. However, Ms Bressington acknowledged the issue needed "wide debate". On other social issues, she said: SHE did not support legalising brothels, because she was concerned "most prostitutes are supporting a drug habit"; SAME-SEX couples should have "the basic human rights of every person", but said she would not vote in favour of same-sex marriage or adoption. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake