Letter to VAJAC 21/05/08

Mr. Alf Bamblett CEO
Victorian Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee 23 May 2008
171 Smith St Fitzroy 3065

Dear Doc.Alf Bamblett,
Re-The Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement. Re Rob Hulls MP Attorney-General:-
"While the recommendation provide a clear direction for Government, there is also recognition that the environment has changed. With the Aboriginal community, we need to reassess the intent of the recommendation and take into account the growing influence of illicit drugs and gambling on Aboriginals and their families."

In the mid 70s the environment began to change within the Aboriginal community, as many young adults that experienced the violence, damage and family break ups, caused by alcohol abuse, started using Pot, (marijuana, cannabis gunga) for their comfort and recreational needs .

Now time has pasted, these parents now prefer to have their children use cannabis, then alcohol, The herb cannabis, can be use as beverage, food addictive to cakes biscuits, as used by our people for centuries, and traded through all known Aboriginal nations of this land.

However, during 1981, the Victorian Government list cannabis, along side hard drugs such as, heroin, cocaine and other substances, under the Drugs Poisons and controlled Substance Act 9719/1981, causing an unnecessary burden on our people, as many being brought before the criminal system of Victoria for use and growing cannabis, and some imprisoned

Today there are various types of illicit drugs on the street of Australia, all having caused death to human beings, all except cannabis. For that reason alone, with the best interest and future well-being of our people at the forefront. The current Victorian laws surrounding cannabis need to be changed, as to suit today's Aboriginal communities needs, and as to maintain a more peaceful and harmonious life style.

At present the impact of Victorian laws has placed our people at a disadvantage to other Aboriginal people residing in A.C.T. S.A. and N.T. where they can grow cannabis for personal use. Our people in Victoria and future generations are faced with the possibility of coming in contact with the criminal justice system, as well as the underlining economic values, Cannabis being now $300 to $400 per ounce.

As the role-objectives of the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee is to assure " administration of law does not adversely impact on Aboriginal people" and "reducing the risk of involvement of Aboriginal children and youth in the justice system." We hereby request, that your organisation VAJAC, Urgently brings to the attention of the Attorney-General and the Minister for Mental Health, in the best interest of the Aboriginal People of Victoria that:-

1. No person being a decedent of the Aboriginal race shall not be charged with any offence, if that person is found to have less then 30 grams of cannabis in his or her possession

2. No person being a decedent of the Aboriginal race shall not be charged with any offence, for cultivation of up to five plants per household, for personal use only

Yours sincerely Les McDonald
Chief Lore Officer
Aboriginal Embassy Victoria