futyre health or Wealth

Minister for Mental Health
Ms. Lisa May Neville
Level 22, 50 Lonsdale St.
Melbourne 3000 16th April 2010

Re:- Our peoples health and well-being

Firstly As by way of relevant background, I offer the following:- 1996 Jeff Kennett (liberal) Government implemented ways to tackle the problem of drug abuse in our community. The Premiers Drug Advisory Council was formed, Chaired by Professor David Pennington.

On the 31st May 1996 Professor David Pennington presented his report to Parliament which recommended (7.2) " Cultivation of up to five cannabis plants per household for personal use should no longer be an offence" Soon after Labour Party was elected to Govern, Victorian Police statistics showed on that around 10,000 Victorian citizen’s are charged with cannabis related charges each year. Legal Aid spent $14 million on legal representation defending cannabis consumers that pleaded guilty. no doubt a financial benefit to the legal profession, which are the only winners of cannabis prohibition.

1996 -2006 150, 000 Victorians were convicted for cannabis related offences. It is of interest to note ‘Turning the Tide" strategy page 18 States "A recent analysis by Access Economics estimates that spending on illegal drugs in Australia amounts to $7 Billion per year, Seventy per cent spent on illegal drugs is cannabis" The Commonwealth of Australian Statistics reveals 55,494 Cannabis offenders occurred between 2001-2002. Background Ends here

As you would be well aware that there has never been a lethal over dose of cannabis recorded in humans beings world wide. We feel if the (1996) recommendation of Professor David Pennington had of been enacted this would have reduced the health risk of our people also reduced the cost, so that cannabis could be used as intended as beverage or as food additive in cooking, and to maintain a more peaceful and harmonies lifestyle for all concerned, Yes, smoking is a health hazard. Alcohol is ticket to family violence and is a death sentence

In our letter 12th February, 2008:- "Due to the growing unrest and doubt surrounding Parliaments, the Victorian Governments ability to protect our people, as to ease our concerns regarding hydroponics grown cannabis" we requested the most urgent need to amend the drugs Poisons and Controlled Substance Act 1981, It now appears you have failed to consider this as the Minister for public Health, indicating support for Lawyers increasing wealth.. Yes Ms Neville enough is enough.

My duty is to prevent the Aboriginal people of Victoria from coming in contact with the Criminal Justice system of Victoria, as 80% of our population feel that cannabis use is far less harmful to our people then legal drug Alcohol. and it must be corrected with the future health and well being of our people in mind. I also take this opportunity as to clarify the situation:-

I ask if you can forward the Act that gives The Victorian Parliament the power to make laws for peace order and good Government for the Aboriginal people of Victoria. .... I thank you

Yours faithfully,
Les McDonald,
Chief Lore Officer
Aboriginal Embassy Victoria