The Greens welcome the passing through the Tasmanian Parliament of laws which allow Tasmanians to access medicines prescribed interstate. Greens’ amendments ensure that those driving after using prescribed illicit drugs dispensed interstate have the same protections as those who have locally dispensed prescriptions.
Tasmanians have been missing out on medication they need. These welcome reforms will allow pharmacists to dispense prescriptions from scripts obtained interstate and ensure where Tasmanians can’t access the medication they need in this state, they will not be punished for using medication prescribed and dispensed to them on the mainland.
The legislation contains vital Greens’ amendments, which mean that where illicit drugs are both prescribed and dispensed interstate, a person will not be prosecuted for driving after use. This closes a significant loophole.
The Greens’ amendments are particularly important for Tasmanians who are prescribed and access medicinal cannabis on the mainland. They will now no longer be punished for driving after having used this medication.
The Greens will continue to fight for Tasmanians to have access to the treatment and medication they need.
