Top cop a policy maker: McKim

POLICE Budget estimates descended into rowdy scenes after Greens MP Nick McKim suggested the state’s top cop had become a de facto policy maker for the Government on medicinal cannabis.

Mr McKim’s sustained attack on Police Minister Rene Hidding came after the Police Commissioner Darren Hine revealed Tasmania Police did not charge users of medicinal cannabis, but were obliged to seize cannabis in all forms and all situations irrespective of medicinal or recreation use.

Mr McKim said the Government had a major policy vacuum and Mr Hine had become a de facto policy maker.

He said the Government’s lack of action would affect children who got exceptional relief from medicinal cannabis.

Mr Hidding rejected the claims and said medicinal users had nothing to fear.

Mr McKim accused Mr Hidding of ignoring recommendations of a parliamentary committee, for the immediate introduction of legislation to protect medicinal cannabis users and their supplies.

He said by not doing so, “you are showing a complete lack of compassion for people who use it’’.

Mr Hidding said he knew the discussion would descend into a contest about compassion.

“To suggest that only the Greens have compassion is a form of aggrandisement,” he said. Medicinal cannabis is the subject of a major national inquiry that is yet to release its findings, he said.

How can we legislate on something that is a moveable feast, Mr Hidding said.

“Tasmania Police’s stance is appropriate. It’s a very solid, positive stance on this issue and we have not accepted the recommendation that legislation is required immediately because of the carefully chosen action of the Tas Police,’’ he said.

Mr Hidding said at some point the Government “may need to legislate’’. “The pressure for immediate legislation to allow people to do this is unwise and too early,’’ he said.