Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

On 16 June 2011 the Queensland government announced that it will be moving to ban synthetic cannabinoids under the Queensland Drugs Misuse Act. Fifteen emerging drugs will be captured under this change. Although there have been reports in other states, I understand that work is progressing in relation to these. Under the various state legislations it is a requirement that they deal with this under their similar drug misuse legislation in various places. In the National Drug Strategy of the Commonwealth we have a significant interest in working to tackle illicit drug issues through this portfolio. They have provided $350 million. Australia has seen a decline in the level of use of illicit drugs—particularly cannabis, methamphetamine and heroin—over the last 10 years. (Time expired)