Labor Senators for Tasmania, Catryna Bilyk and Anne Urquhart, welcomed the tabling of a Senate report on the Regulator of Medicinal Cannabis Bill 2014.
Senator Bilyk, a member of the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee inquiring into the Bill, said the committee supported in-principle access to medicinal cannabis where it can be demonstrated it is safe and effective.
“The hearings and submissions highlighted a number of technical issues with the Bill that need to be addressed including the existing federal arrangements, international obligations and state jurisdictions,” Senator Bilyk said.
Senator Urquhart, who co-sponsored the Bill, was pleased that the Committee laid out a possible path for providing access to medicinal cannabis.
“While the Committee recommended a number of technical changes, I think we’re closer to finding a way forward for legal medicinal cannabis,” Senator Urquhart said.
The Committee looked deeply into the issue and received over 200 submissions from experts, people who have benefited from medicinal cannabis and the general public.
“The Committee heard heartbreaking real-life stories from parents who could be branded criminals under current law for their compassionate decision to help secure medicinal cannabis to help their sick children,” Senator Bilyk said.
Senator Urquhart said change was clearly needed.
“It’s now incumbent on all politicians to find a way forward so people can access safe, legal and affordable treatment that works. We will work tirelessly to achieve workable reform,” Senator Urquhart said.
Senator Bilyk said medicinal cannabis also has the potential to be an important contributor to Tasmania’s agricultural sector.
“Tasmania has already demonstrated that we can safely cultivate and process alkaloids for medical uses and medicinal cannabis could also be a significant job creator for Tasmania.” Senator Bilyk said “It’s a pity the Tasmanian Liberals failed to proceed quicker with a clinical trial and were beaten by the NSW Government.”
SENATOR CATRYNA BILYK DEPUTY OPPOSITION WHIP IN THE SENATE SENATOR FOR TASMANIA SENATOR ANNE URQUHART DEPUTY OPPOSITION WHIP IN THE SENATE SENATOR FOR TASMANIA
