The Labor Party has been exposed for peddling false hope to Tasmanians, and supporting smoking of cannabis despite claiming publicly otherwise.
What has been approved at Norfolk Island is not a medical trial. It is the cultivation of a commercial marijuana crop for export to Canada for smoking.
That is, it is something which Labor* has previously said they oppose, which is illegal in every Australian state and which will not help sick Tasmanians.
The proponents themselves told ABC's 7:30 program their motivation is shareholder profit and to export to countries where it is legal.
The proposal put to Government was grossly inadequate as medical trials go. It failed to address real concerns on safety, security and potential for social harm. It was not approved on those grounds alone.
Labor can't have it both ways.
Support for the Tasman Health Cannabinoids' Norfolk Island proposal is support for the smoking of marijuana.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration provides the independent, science-based approach on behalf of all Australian governments in relation to new medicines.
Unlike Labor, the Liberal Government supports an evidence-based, medical approach to issues relating to a safe and effective supply of pharmaceuticals. This is why we are also content for the Legislative Council inquiry to take its course, following which we will respond to any recommendations it may make.