The Landscape

Tasmania is traditionally a Labor dominated state:  Of 21 elections contested by the Liberal Party, only six have gone their way.

Coming off a 16-year Labor rule, the Liberals were elected in a landslide victory in 2014 gaining 15 of the 25 lower house seats.

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Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, has broken an important election promise by weakening current drug laws and establishing drug injecting rooms, warns the Australian Christian Lobby.

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The Australian Christian Lobby has fronted an inquiry in opposition to the proposed injecting room for Richmond, Victoria. The ACL’s submission to the inquiry clearly demonstrates the ineffectiveness of strategies such as injecting rooms in combatting drug abuse.

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Queensland is considering a bill that would create a new regulatory framework under which Medicinal Cannabis products may be prescribed and dispensed to patients. Recreational use of the drug would remain illegal. A public consultation on the proposed bill is now underway with written submissions having closed on 11 July 2016. 

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Why are drug service providers at the top levels of commonwealth drug policy? Colliss Parrett, former Director of the Department of Health's Drugs of Dependence branch, discusses how drug elites are working against efforts to curb Australia’s drug problem.

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In the last week, the ACL has been quoted in the media on issues such as decriminalising illicit drugs, the foreign aid budget, and whether Australia is a Christian country. See below for links to mentions in the media.



On Australia's foreign aid budget:

• The Australian - Quality, not quantity, is key



• Christian Today Australia - Commission of Audit recommends breaking foreign aid election promise

ACL's Wendy Francis was interviewed by Steve Austin from the ABC on investigating prostitution reform. Follow this link to listen to the interview.



ACL's Lyle Shelton reflects on current discussions in the United Kingdom about whether it is still a Christian country, and where Australia stands in this week's Politics InFocus. Watch the interview below.







Are we a Christian country? from InFocus on Vimeo.



On the issue of decriminalising illicit drugs:

• ABC Onlines - Cannabis a health issue not a legal one, a Hobart forum hears



• Christian Today Australia - Concern at push to decriminalise illicit drugs



• The Mercury - No go for cannabis change (please see image below)

 

MEDIA RELEASE



Tuesday 6th May 2014



The Australian Christian Lobby said it hopes a drug forum today won’t lead to the decriminalisation of some illicit drugs.



Today’s drug forum organised by Alcohol Tobacco and other Drugs Council (ATDC) in Hobart discusses decriminalising drugs such as cannabis and the ‘success’ this has had in other countries.



ACL’s Tasmanian Director Mark Brown said it’s important society sends a strong message about the harm of drugs.



“The law plays an educative role in our society. Decriminalising illicit drugs such as cannabis sends the message that taking drugs is ok and can be safe,” he said.



“We should not be advocating for something that has the potential to ruin people’s lives and families.



“A recent study in the United States found that young people who smoke cannabis (even as little as one joint a week) had brain abnormalities that affected emotion and motivation. There is also heightened risk of adolescent users developing schizoaffective disorders in adult life.



“Australia has a clearly demonstrated problem with alcohol and drug abuse in the community, particularly amongst young people,” he said.



Mr Brown said people suffering an addiction to drugs should be given real solutions to their problems.



“Consideration should be given to other approaches like the successful Swedish approach to illicit drugs. The Swedish model makes drug rehabilitation mandatory for those found addicted and strong policing of street selling,” Mr Brown said.



ENDS

The ACL's monthly newsletter, which includes a column from ACL's Managing Director Lyle Shelton, is out now. This month's newsletter includes stories on combating drug and alcohol-fuelled violence in New South Wales, the upcoming Tasmanian state election, ACL's inaugural Gap Week and much more. Click here to read the February newsletter.

In the last week, the ACL has been quoted in the media on issues such as the NSW government's decision to tackle alcohol-fuelled violence, and the political environment in Tasmania. See below for links to mentions in the media.



On the NSW government's decision to tackle drug and alcohol fuelled violence in the state:

• Christian Today Australia - Greater focus needed on addressing the root causes of binge drinking, says ACL

On Tasmanian politics:

• Christian Today Australia - ACL looks to post-Greens future for Tasmania