Introduction:
Western Australia stands at the cusp of transformative change with an opportunity to shape policies that resonate deeply with its citizens' values and aspirations. The Legalise Cannabis Party is driven by principles of personal freedom, truth, and growth. Dr Walker presents his comprehensive policy program designed to address the diverse needs of West Australians asking for discussion and decision. This program aims to create a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future for all residents of our great state.
Cannabis Legislation and Regulation
🌿 Legalisation and Regulation of Cannabis
The Legalise Cannabis Party is committed to the complete legalisation and regulation of cannabis. This policy will allow West Australians to grow, buy, and use cannabis freely, acknowledging it as a safe, healing herb which requires regulation to ensure safety for minors. Legalisation will not only provide significant health benefits, but also stimulate economic growth through the development of a robust hemp industry. This sector has the potential to generate billions of dollars in revenue, which can be reinvested into healthcare, social services, and community development initiatives.
🌱 Economic Impact of Hemp Industry
Freeing up the hemp agricultural business will provide a substantial boost to West Australia’s economy. The cultivation and processing of hemp will create new jobs, stimulate local businesses, and foster innovation in agricultural practices. The revenue generated from this industry will be directed towards improving healthcare infrastructure, funding hospitals, and supporting social services aimed at reducing homelessness and crime.
💊 Evidence-Based Drug Policy
Our approach to drug policy is grounded in evidence and focuses on harm reduction. Treating drug use as a health issue rather than a criminal one will significantly reduce the societal costs associated with drug addiction. We propose the legalisation, regulation, and taxation of cannabis. Organised crime fuels a multibillion-dollar illicit drug industry that contributes to immense societal pain. Current legislation and the “War on Drugs” has simply failed and will continue to fail, costing society an unacceptable loss. Alternative approaches to reducing this burden are mandated if we seek to bring society back into wellness.
Health and Wellness
❤️🩹 Comprehensive Health and Wellness Strategy
As a medical professional, Dr. Brian Walker emphasises a holistic approach to wellness, encompassing physical, mental, social, and financial well-being. The Legalise Cannabis Party advocates for policies that address the social determinants of health, aiming to eradicate poverty, reduce violence, and enhance employment conditions. We all believe that wellness extends beyond the absence of disease to include the overall quality of life.
🩺 Social Justice and Health
Addressing the root causes of health disparities is crucial. Our policies will focus on social justice, ensuring that every West Australian has access to quality healthcare, dignified working conditions, and a liveable wage. We propose to medicalise drug abuse treatment, shifting the focus from criminalisation to rehabilitation and support, thus reducing stigma and enhancing recovery outcomes.
Mental Health
🧠 Investment in Mental Health Services
Significant investment in mental health services is essential to support the well-being of our citizens. We propose substantial recurrent funding for early interventions targeting young people at risk, reducing waiting times for mental health services, and integrating mental health support into responses to homelessness. We advocate for restructuring of the mental health system to allow for enhanced efficiency and access to services at an earlier stage.
🧑⚕️ Training and Support for Health Professionals
Health professionals must be equipped to identify and support individuals with mental health issues. We will increase training for health professionals and expand mental health and drug treatment services. Current restrictions on qualified specialists within general practice result in increased pressures on psychiatric services and increased waiting times to access specialist care.
Accountable and Honest Politicians
⚖️ Public Interest and Accountability
All politicians should be legally bound to act in the public interest. Caps on electoral spending, real-time reporting of political donations, and the establishment of strict rules governing MPs' expenses have been enacted. The focus is now on ensuring that politicians are held accountable for justifying accepting positions with businesses that profit from those very same politicians while in power.
Transparent Taxable Religion
🕯️Reforming Religious Tax Exemptions
While protecting charitable activities, we propose removing tax exemptions from for-profit businesses owned by religious institutions. This reform will ensure that religious organisations operate transparently and contribute fairly to the economy. We will reform equal opportunity laws to prevent religious organisations from discriminating against individuals based on their beliefs or lifestyles.
Bold Business and Innovation
🧑💼 Supporting Small Business and Innovation
Small businesses and innovation are the drivers of our future economy. We propose decreasing regulatory burdens and taxes on small businesses, cutting red tape, and establishing a strategy to respond to the impact of artificial intelligence and automation on the economy and the workplace. Prioritising local businesses in government procurement and fostering advanced manufacturing will further stimulate economic growth.
Modern Criminal Justice
👮 Evidence-Based Crime Prevention
Our criminal justice policies will focus on the causes of crime to prevent it from occurring. We advocate for prisons that focus on rehabilitation to reduce reoffending rates rather than merely warehousing criminals. Providing family violence education programs in workplaces and training police in de-escalation, mental health, and cultural competency will create a more just and effective criminal justice system.
🛡️ Victim Support and Protection
Ensuring that the criminal justice system protects and supports victims of crime is paramount. We will make it easier for sex offences to be reported and prosecuted, enhancing support services for victims and ensuring justice is served.
Positive Ageing
👵 Strategy for Ageing Population
A comprehensive strategy for the ageing population will address the economic and social implications of an ageing society. We propose fully funded state-wide ageing strategies, the appointment of an Ombudsman for Aged Care and Retirement Housing, and the enhancement of aged care services and facilities. Catering to the needs of minority groups and people with disabilities in aged care facilities will ensure inclusivity and dignity for all.
Affordable Housing
🏠 Increasing Housing Affordability
Addressing housing affordability requires workable and rational approaches. We support reasonable increases in housing density in inner and middle suburbs, removing tax barriers to build-to-rent and rent-to-buy schemes, and adopting ambitious targets for public and community housing renewal plans. Reducing stamp duty on investments in social housing and providing greater security for long-term renters will further enhance housing affordability.
Tackling Homelessness
❄️ Coordinated Responses to Homelessness
To dramatically reduce homelessness, we advocate for early interventions to identify and support those at risk. Coordinated multi-agency responses and the appointment of a Commissioner for the Homeless will ensure that resources are effectively utilised. Tackling social isolation among young people and providing comprehensive support services will create lasting solutions to homelessness.
Energy and Environmental Sustainability
☀️ Renewable Energy and Environmental Protection
Achieving energy emission targets while sustaining energy affordability requires a pragmatic approach. We propose extending the Renewable Energy Action Plan beyond 2040, planning the transition from coal-fired plants, and investing in potential sites for pumped hydropower. Increasing clean energy and environmental incentives for local businesses and reducing regulations that inhibit the uptake of clean energy will support a sustainable future.
♻️ Efficient Recycling and Waste Management
Efficient recycling and waste management are crucial for environmental sustainability. We advocate for state-wide recycling initiatives, policies for green roofs and spaces, and the development of industries focused on plastic and waste repurposing.
Aboriginal Affairs
🖤 Advocacy for Aboriginal Self-Determination
Supporting Aboriginal communities is essential for social justice and cultural preservation. We propose fostering opportunities for every Aboriginal child to achieve their full potential, advocating for strong community ties, and taking an integrated approach to funding and policy development. Directly addressing the over-representation of Aboriginal people in the justice system will ensure fair and equitable treatment.
Healthy Children
👶 Promoting Child Health
The health of our children is paramount. We propose co-locating childcare with health and allied services, promoting universal health checks in the first 1000 days, and publicly funding pre-school places for 3–4-year-olds. Ensuring accessible services to support early parenting will provide a strong foundation for healthy child development.
Youth at Risk
💁♀️ Supporting Youth in High-Growth Communities
Identifying and assisting youth at risk requires evidence-based interventions. We advocate for urgent responses to youth needs in high-growth communities, youth justice facilities that address the causes of offending, and increased funding for youth drug rehabilitation and early intervention programs. Raising the age for leaving out-of-home care to 21 years will provide additional support for vulnerable young people.
Political Integrity and Dialogue
🎤 Facilitating Integrity in Governance
Ensuring that our representatives act with integrity requires regulations and processes that support honest and transparent governance. We propose insisting on evidence-based policies, facilitating rational and transparent advice from public servants, and supporting democratic processes such as citizen juries, referendums, and town hall meetings. Fostering connections between young people and the processes of government will enhance civic engagement and long-term planning.
Public Transport
🚃 Improving Public Transport Infrastructure
Efficient public transport is essential for a growing population. We propose increasing public transport spending in high-growth areas, improving train frequency, establishing new bus routes, and providing free Wi-Fi on public transport. Supporting high-speed regional transport services will enhance connectivity and accessibility.
Equality and Anti-Discrimination
🖐️ Removing Barriers to Equality
Addressing discrimination in our society requires comprehensive and inclusive policies. We propose extending vilification laws to include sexuality and gender, pursuing gender parity in pay and board representation, and strengthening the powers of the Equal Opportunity Commission. Reforming surrogacy and adoption laws will provide more options for those seeking to start a family.
Public Safety and Security
🛡️ Protecting Vulnerable Populations
Ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations is a priority. We propose recurrent funding for interventions to prevent family violence, increasing the safety of women and men after dark, and providing temporary safe houses and support services. Better protection for the homeless.