Richard Di Natale (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

The genesis of this motion comes from Haslam family. Dan Haslam was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the age of 20. He suffered from debilitating nausea and had relief from medicinal cannabis when all other antiemetic medication had failed. It is a story that is consistent with stories of many other Australians, right around the country, who are forced to behave like criminals and are subject to criminal penalties for accessing what is, effectively, a medication that relieves their pain and suffering.

It is encouraging that the government is finally taking some steps, in this regard. The concern is that the legislation being proposed will address the issue of a supply but not the issue of patient access. The test of any legislation will be whether a doctor or a specialist can prescribe this medication from their practice and ensure that the person gets the medication as they do any other medicine.

Question agreed to.