Drug pusher caning urged

DRUG traffickers and producers of ice would be “caned” if a federal MP had his way.

Dawson MP George Christensen has written to the head of the National Ice Taskforce, Ken Lay, calling for tougher penalties for drug pushers.

“If we keep slapping people on the wrist we’re going to get the same outcomes,” he said.

“I suggest we take a look at how they address the problem in Singapore. Their use of corporal punishment seems to be a highly effective deterrent.”

Mr Christensen said he was not suggesting caning drug users and small suppliers, who were often addicts themselves.

“It’s about those involved in the production and sale of drugs on a large scale – the people who make a living, and

If we keep

slapping people on the wrist we’re going to get the same

outcomes

GEORGE CHRISTENSEN

THE first official pictures of Princess Charlotte’s christening, taken by Diana’s favourite photographer Mario Testino, have been released.

The gorgeous images were taken immediately after the royal baby was baptised in front of the Queen and close relatives at the Church of St Mary Magdalene in Sandringham last Sunday.

A particularly touching image is a family photograph of William and Catherine with their children in the gardens of Sandringham House.

“The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their whole family had a wonder- often a very comfortable living, out of peddling this destructive drug,” he said.

But Herbert MP Ewen Jones said it was an “oversimplification” of the drugs scourge.

“I copped the cane at school but it didn’t make me a better student,” he said.

“To suggest that a good flogging will sort it out is one of the greatest oversimplifications – we shouldn’t be flippant.”

Townsville Ice Taskforce ful day on Sunday and were delighted to share the special occasion with the thousands co- ordinator Suzanne Highley was reluctant to weigh in.

“I can’t really comment on this suggestion because we aren’t interested in those people ( traffickers/ producers) at this time,” she said.

“Our focus is on education, intervention and support – if people don’t want the drugs, there is no market, and there have only been two drug busts in Townsville since January.

“There wouldn’t be many, if any, to cane.”

Queensland Council of Civil Liberties vice- president Terry O’Gorman labelled the suggestion “populist politics”.

“Some politicians will do anything to beat the law- andorder drum to improve their own profile,” he said.

Mr Christensen said the community wanted tougher penalties and urged the Government to look to countries where corporal punishment is supported. “It’s not pretty but it might be effective,” he said. of people who came to Sandringham,” a Kensington Palace spokesman said.

“They are very happy to share these photographs and hope that everyone enjoys them as much as they do.”

Kensington Palace shared the adorable snaps – captured by one of the world’s mosty highly regarded fashion and portrait photographers – on Twitter.

The pictures have already been retweeted thousands of times.

“Thank you @ mariotestino for helping to capture such an important day for the Cambridge family!” Kensington Palace tweeted.