Public Health (Medicinal Cannabis) Bill 2016

As Minister for Health, introduced and championed the bill as a groundbreaking reform providing a legal pathway for seriously ill patients to access medicinal cannabis, accepting the committee's recommendation to remove criminal history provisions.

“I am proud as health minister to be progressing this groundbreaking reform. This bill will change the paradigm for seriously ill patients who often feel compelled to seek out illicit cannabis treatment options by enshrining in an act a legal and safe pathway through which to access medicinal cannabis treatment.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

Announced LNP opposition support for the bill while raising concerns about duplication between state and Commonwealth approval processes and the need for a streamlined process.

“Can I also say that the LNP opposition is supporting this bill.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

As committee chair, spoke in support of the bill establishing a regulatory framework for medicinal cannabis, acknowledging the minister's responsiveness to committee recommendations including removing criminal history checks.

“I rise to speak in support of the Public Health (Medicinal Cannabis) Bill 2016. The purpose of the bill is to create a regulatory framework under which medicinal cannabis products may be prescribed and dispensed to patients in Queensland while preventing unauthorised use.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

As deputy chair of the committee, supported the bill's purpose and intent but raised significant concerns about duplication between state and TGA processes and sought further explanation from the minister.

“There is no doubt that the LNP supports the purpose and intent of the bill, but there are issues that need to be dealt with. Duplication is one.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

Supported the bill drawing on personal experience as an intensive care paramedic and knowledge of constituents including a young epilepsy patient, seeing it as an exciting step forward for Queensland patients.

“I am pleased to see Queensland leading the way in medical advances and evidence based research that will support the anticipated increase in demand for access to medicinal cannabis treatment.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

As committee member, supported the bill and acknowledged bipartisan support, noting the groundswell of community support and highlighting the commercial cultivation opportunity for Queensland.

“Overall, it is heartening to see bipartisan support for this bill and for an issue which has the potential to provide relief from pain and medical conditions for thousands of Queenslanders who desperately need it.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill as Minister for Environment, citing evidence of medicinal cannabis benefits for multiple conditions and lamenting only that it had not been done sooner.

“I am proud to stand in support of this bill that will allow the delivery of medicinal cannabis to people suffering in Queensland... All I can say is that it is a shame we did not do it sooner.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

Offered support for the bill while discussing the Barnes report evidence base, the need to address duplication, and the opportunity for a regulated Queensland industry.

“The Public Health (Medicinal Cannabis) Bill 2016 strikes the appropriate balance, offering relief from suffering while also enacting the necessary safeguards for the regulated introduction of medicinal cannabis. I offer my support for the bill under consideration by the House.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

As a former health professional, moved from initial scepticism to support, commending the bill for making medicinal cannabis available for conditions with evidence of efficacy and facilitating further research.

“As a health professional I would say that we should make this product available for the conditions where there is evidence that it works and make it available for research where the evidence is growing. The bill does that, and that is why I support it.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

Supported the bill, paying tribute to Maleny constituents Harold Hopper and Bill Price who advocated for medicinal cannabis access, noting LNP state council resolutions supporting medicinal cannabis trials.

“I rise to support the Public Health (Medicinal Cannabis) Bill 2016.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

Briefly supported the bill, recalling a parent of a child with severe epileptic seizures who had asked her to be part of a government that would pass such legislation.

“It is great to see Queensland leading Australia in providing this safe and timely access to medicinal cannabis products.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

Supported the bill as a carefully considered regulatory framework for therapeutic cannabis use, emphasising that it was not a 'grow your own dope' bill and would be reviewed after two years.

“This is not a 'grow your own dope' bill for recreational users. It is about a carefully produced, consistent medicinal cannabis pathway for those who have a genuine need.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

Supported the bill, highlighting the potential benefits for a range of conditions and referencing two mothers of children with treatment resistant epilepsy who were watching the debate.

“I rise to speak in support of the Public Health (Medicinal Cannabis) Bill 2016.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

As a medical specialist, offered support for the bill based on the scientific evidence for cannabinoids in treatment resistant epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscle spasticity, chronic pain and palliative care.

“On the balance of probabilities and the current available information, I offer my support for the Public Health (Medicinal Cannabis) Bill 2016.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill as Minister, noting her long-standing support for medicinal cannabis and the responsibility of lawmakers to help patients with chronic conditions.

“I have long supported the legal use of medicinal cannabis where clinically appropriate. It is something that I feel very passionate about.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

Supported the bill on compassionate grounds, framing it as a humane act and suggesting exploration of medicinal cannabis should precede debates on euthanasia.

“To legislate and to legalise medicinal cannabis is an act of compassion. It is humane and it is a prudent step in our collective journey toward the end of life.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

Supported the bill as providing a more comprehensive regulatory framework for medicinal cannabis access for suffering Queenslanders, noting potential revenue and job opportunities.

“I rise tonight to speak in support of the Public Health (Medicinal Cannabis) Bill 2016.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill as a long-time advocate, urging the minister to commit to Queensland-grown whole plant medicinal cannabis and prioritising timely patient access over cultivation investigation.

“This may well be the most important bill we see before this House this year.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

Supported the bill as Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, emphasising government support for a local cultivation industry and the roundtables held across Queensland.

“I rise to speak in support of the Public Health (Medicinal Cannabis) Bill 2016.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard

Proudly supported the bill as Minister, sharing the story of the Carter family from Logan whose son Lindsay was treated with cannabis therapies overseas for seizures caused by an inoperable brain tumour.

“I rise to proudly support the Public Health (Medicinal Cannabis) Bill 2016. This bill demonstrates that Queensland is leading the way in Australia when it comes to unlocking the therapeutic and medicinal properties of cannabis.”— 2016-10-12View Hansard