STATE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES DRUG LAW REFORMS

Cannabis would remain illegal under the Western Australia government's
proposed drug law reforms, state Health Minister Bob Kucera announced today.

He said penalties for the personal use of cannabis would include
infringement notices for people found in possession of less than 30g or two
plants.

The infringement notice scheme has the support of WA Police Commissioner
Barry Matthews, who has told the state government he believes the changes
are workable and will free-up police time and resources to deal with
serious drug dealers and traffickers.

Under the scheme, people caught with small amounts of cannabis for personal
use will receive an infringement notice and the drug will be confiscated.

However police will retain discretion and will be able to charge a person
with a criminal offence if they believe the intent of the scheme is being
flouted.

"Offenders will have the option of paying their fine, expiating the fine by
attending an education session, or contesting it in court," the minister said.

Mr Kucera said the proposals were not a soft option to drug dealers because
anyone found with large quantities of cannabis would be charged with a
criminal offence.

He said the state government would begin drafting the new legislation with
input from police and justice officials and expected the new regulations
would be in force by the end of the year.