Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Minister for Rural Health) Share this | Hansard source

The Narcotic Drugs Amendment Bill provides a clear national licensing scheme allowing the locally controlled cultivation of cannabis for medicinal and scientific purposes. Importantly, this bill provides the critical 'missing piece' for the Commonwealth to enable a sustainable supply of safe medicinal cannabis products to Australian patients in the future. It is recognised that, while there are existing mechanisms by which medicinal cannabis from overseas can be accessed under Australian law, the problem is that limited supplies and export barriers in other countries have made this difficult.

Under this scheme, a patient with a valid prescription can possess and use a medicinal cannabis product manufactured from cannabis plants legally cultivated in Australia where the supply is appropriately authorised under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 and relevant state and territory legislation. Further, the health department has proposed down-scheduling cannabis for therapeutic uses to schedule 8 of the Poisons Standard, which would also simplify arrangements around the legal possession of medicinal cannabis.

The decision to treat any condition with a medicine is one that should be made in consultation with a medical professional who has weighed up the available medical and scientific evidence to determine if there is a likely benefit for their patient and whether that benefit outweighs the risks. The government's model puts the medical professional at the centre of clinical decision making, where they should be. This bill will allow medicinal cannabis products that are manufactured in Australia to be supplied for the purposes of clinical trials or to be prescribed for patients with particular conditions by medical practitioners authorised to do so by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

The bill also enables research in particular clinical trials to expand the evidence base so that more products could potentially be approved through the medicines registration processes under the Therapeutic Goods Act, provided they meet efficacy, safety and quality standards required for prescription medicines. As that evidence base expands, it is possible that more patients will be prescribed medicinal cannabis products if their doctor considers it appropriate.

There are many advocates and everyday Australians who have played a tremendous and tireless role in bringing this important issue to the attention of the nation. I acknowledge my parliamentary colleagues from across the political spectrum who have come together in this place to work in a completely bipartisan fashion to ensure we are able to stand here on this historic day. I particularly want to acknowledge Senator Ian Macdonald for his tireless advocacy and also Kevin Anderson, the state member for Tamworth, for his dedicated work on this issue. I also want to acknowledge those in the department who have been tireless in working to bring this bill to fruition.

In summary, this bill, in conjunction with established mechanisms, provides a secure supply chain from 'farm to pharmacy' that will give patients access to medicinal cannabis products. The bill is not about the legalisation or decriminalisation of cannabis for recreational use. Nor is this a discussion about making cannabis products available over the counter or outside of a discussion with a qualified doctor or through an approved clinical trial. It is important we maintain the same high safety standards for cannabis-derived products that we apply to any other medicine. I know many Australians would be concerned if medicinal cannabis products were to be subject to lower safety standards than common prescription painkillers or cholesterol medications. It is important to note that the manufacture of medicinal cannabis products will be subject to quality manufacturing requirements under the Therapeutic Goods Act. This bill, to allow the cultivation of legal medicinal cannabis crops in Australia under strict controls, strikes the right balance between patient access, community protection and our international obligations.

I know, for many, there have been so many frustrations along the way and even times when they felt progress was not being made. However, today's outcome is a demonstration of this parliament's commitment ensure not only that we get access to a safe, legal and reliable supply of medicinal cannabis products for Australian patients but also that we get it right.

I thank senators for their contributions to the debate on this bill.   

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.