Medicines and Poisons Bill 2019

While the LNP will not oppose the bill, expressed concerns about incomplete elements with references to subordinate legislation and standards requiring more detail. Supported real-time prescription monitoring and streamlined medicinal cannabis prescribing.

“At the outset I note that, while the Liberal National Party will not oppose the bill, a number of concerns raised by stakeholders warrant the further attention of the House.”— 2019-09-17View Hansard

As Health Minister, moved the second reading for both bills, describing them as the result of a comprehensive review ensuring the regulatory framework is contemporary and fit for purpose.

“These new bills will ensure that our legislative framework is contemporary and fit for purpose. I commend the bills to the House.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill, particularly the real-time prescription monitoring provisions. Highlighted the overdose crisis and the need for better regulation of drugs of dependence.

“I am particularly supportive of the provisions of this bill relating to real-time prescription monitoring.”— 2019-09-17View Hansard

Did not oppose the bills but raised significant concerns about implementation issues identified by stakeholders, particularly regarding the Medicines and Poisons Bill, and real-time prescription monitoring for medicinal cannabis.

“I look forward to monitoring the minister's response to the implementation issues as raised by stakeholders on the Medicines and Poisons Bill.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard

Supported the bill, particularly provisions streamlining medicinal cannabis prescribing and real-time prescription monitoring. Raised concerns about the public register for poisons but stated the KAP will support the bill.

“While I have concerns about that, the KAP will be supporting this bill as it goes through the House.”— 2019-09-17View Hansard

Supported both bills, sharing personal stories of people whose quality of life could be improved by the enacted legislation.

“I think about all of those people whose lives will be or could have been improved enormously by the enactment of this bill.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard

Supported the bill as a necessary modernisation of the regulatory framework for medicines and poisons, replacing legislation dating back to 1937.

“A new regulatory framework is needed to modernise and streamline the regulation of medicines and poisons, ensuring the requirements are easier for industry and the community to understand and apply in practice.”— 2019-09-17View Hansard

Commended the bills to the House while criticising the government for not adopting the Commonwealth therapeutic goods framework sooner.

“By adopting the Commonwealth act some time ago, this ridiculous position would never have arisen. That should have been undertaken by this government well and truly before the debate on that bill took place.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard

Will not oppose the bill but highlighted concerns about cross-border integration for real-time monitoring, dual licensing requirements for pest management companies, and the public register of schedule 7 poisons.

“Noting the need for improvement in this area, like my colleagues in the LNP I will not be opposing these bills. However, I will be highlighting some of the concerns raised by the many stakeholders.”— 2019-09-17View Hansard

Supported the Medicines and Poisons Bill, focusing on its provisions for medicinal cannabis access for epilepsy patients.

“Medicinal cannabis will not cure their epilepsy, but it does give them some prospect of relief from this debilitating condition.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard

Supported the bill, highlighting benefits for the medicinal cannabis industry in his electorate and the streamlined prescribing requirements for non-specialist practitioners.

“The bill streamlines requirements for prescribing medicinal cannabis in Queensland by enabling non-specialist medical practitioners to prescribe without the need for approval from Queensland Health, eliminating duplication in the Commonwealth approvals process.”— 2019-09-17View Hansard

Commended the bills, discussing the scourge of addiction and supporting greater alignment with the national legislative framework for drug regulation.

“As part of these changes, the Queensland parliament will retain its authority over matters subject to Commonwealth law. In summary, I commend the bills to the House.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard

Will not oppose the bill but raised concerns about incomplete regulatory detail, the exclusion of hospitals from real-time prescription monitoring, implementation concerns, and dual licensing requirements for pest management companies.

“I note at the outset that the LNP will not be opposing these bills.”— 2019-09-17View Hansard

Commended the bills, focusing on the importance of treating opioid misuse seriously given the statistics and personal stories of those affected.

“This bill will ensure that we treat opioids with the seriousness they deserve.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard

Expressed support for the prescription monitoring scheme, noting broad stakeholder support including from the AMA. Raised privacy concerns about database access but speech was cut short by time allocation.

“It is a welcome step. The new system appears to simplify and improve efficiency of the process for prescribers to check the relevant database for drug dependence.”— 2019-09-17View Hansard

Commended the bills while discussing the ice epidemic and the need for greater drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres.

“I commend the bills to the House.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard

Supported both bills as good legislation for Queensland that would ensure all therapeutic goods are manufactured to high standards.

“This is a good bill for Queensland. This is a good bill introduced by the Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard

Did not oppose the bills but urged caution about publication of poisons information on private rural properties given the rise in illegal protests and activist trespass.

“While Queensland Health has advised about discretion available from the chief executive, I urge extreme caution about the publication of poisons on private rural properties. I do not oppose the bill.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard

Supported the bills as centrally important to nurses, doctors, pharmacists and patients, focusing on the competencies and accountabilities required for professional staff.

“This legislation is centrally important to nurses, to doctors and to pharmacists, but most important of all it is particularly important to the patients whom we care for.”— 2019-09-04View Hansard