Media coverage of MODA review

Monday, February 15, 2010

A selection of recent media coverage and commentary on the Law Commission's MODA review.

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Ross Bell: Why sensible suggestions on drug law should not be ignored
Dominion Post
3 March

The Government's initial response to the Law Commission's report on drug law reform is disappointing. Justice Minister Simon Power's declaration that there's not a single, solitary chance he will be relaxing drug laws is symptomatic of the misinformation swirling around this socially divisive issue and the way in which a complex debate is framed in over-simplistic terms, or worse, shut down altogether.

Read full: http://www.stuff.co.nz/blogs/opinion/3397860/Why-sensible-suggestions-on-drug-law-should-not-be-ignored/

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Brian Rudman: Power chains us to dead-end drug laws
NZ Herald
17 Feb 

Law reform is "the art of the possible" said the Law Commissioners, in explaining why they'd left themselves open to charges of being illogical and hypocritical in excluding alcohol and tobacco from their new review of recreational drugs laws.

Given the hysterical response from Justice Minister Simon Power to their 408-page, three-year long study, Sir Geoffrey Palmer and his fellow commissioners must be wondering if anything is possible under Mr Power.

Read full: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10626584&pnum=0

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Closed minds on cannabis reform
Nelson Mail
15 Feb

Under the leadership of former prime minister Sir Geoffrey Palmer, the Law Commission is both busy and productive, intent on making New Zealanders look closely at many of our laws with a view to modernising, simplifying and improving them.

Its latest report, an issues paper on controlling and regulating drugs, out last week, has a focus on the potential softening of drug possession laws with a complementary shift towards more treatment of chronic users.

These are ideas that merit study and debate. But Justice Minister Simon Power isn't prepared to even wait for the submission period to end before declaring his closed mind.

Read full: http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/opinion/editorial/3329759/Editorial-Closed-minds-on-cannabis-reform

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Case for drug law reform is serious
Dominion Post
15 Feb

The Government's quick dismissal of the bulk of the Law Commission's work on drug use in New Zealand is regrettable.

Its unpalatability for the Government – and, no doubt, for many others – comes in its recommendation for flexibility when dealing with small-scale dealing and personal possession for use, and for less emphasis on conviction and punishment. The flip side of that is a recommendation for a greater focus on treatment, prevention and education.

Read full: http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/opinion/editorials/3327371/Editorial-Case-for-drug-law-reform-is-serious

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Bring debate on drug use into the open
NZ Herald
13 Feb

Justice Minister Simon Power is not shy of dismissing recommendations out of hand, no matter their source.

Last year, he summarily rejected the concept of "executive amnesties", which was advanced by the Chief Justice, Dame Sian Elias, as a means of reducing prison overcrowding. This week, he was at it again, instantly banishing to Coventry a Law Commission report that called for a softening of the drug laws relating to personal use.

Read full: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10625887

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Minister of Justice rejects more liberal drug laws
Radio NZ Morning Report
12 Feb 

The Minister of Justice has poured cold water on a Law Commission report seeking reform of the Drugs Act. Interview with Drug Foundation's Executive Director Ross Bell.

Opens audio - http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/national/mnr/2010/02/12/minister_of_justice_rejects_more_liberal_drug_laws

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