2026-09-30
ACT Greens Deputy Leader and Transport spokesperson Andrew Braddock said evidence from medicinal cannabis advocates, medical and public-health organisations showed the ACT has practical models it can learn from rather than leaving patients stuck with the status quo.
Evidence heard at today’s ACT Legislative Assembly inquiry has reinforced calls to reform driving laws that can leave medicinal cannabis patients choosing between prescribed treatment and their ability to get to work, appointments and family responsibilities.
Quotes attributable to Andrew Braddock MLA:
“No one should drive whilst impaired and my bill doesn’t change that. Patients taking medicinal cannabis are extremely low risk and we heard evidence that common driving distractions such as listening to the radio pose a much higher road safety risk.”
“So, the question that must be asked is that why are patients that are prescribed legal medication by a medical professional, being penalised? Why is the ACT, supposedly the most progressive jurisdiction in Australia, trailing so far behind other states?”
The ACT Government has previously said any reform must be supported by comprehensive evidence and that approaches that are adopted elsewhere should be assessed for their effectiveness.
“Well, that evidence and experience is now accumulating. Tasmania, Victoria, and New South Wales now have schemes in place for medicinal cannabis. What is the ACT waiting for?
“We have health organisations proposing safeguards, states around Australia changing their laws, and international jurisdictions already operating medical defences.
“The answer cannot simply be to make patients carry the burden while governments wait for a perfect model that may never exist.
“Today’s hearing should move us towards designing the right safeguards for Canberra, not finding another reason to delay reform.
“Patients should be able to access the treatment they need and still go on with everyday life. Our job is to make the law work around that reality while keeping our roads safe,” Mr Braddock said.
The Standing Committee on Transport and City Services is due to report on the Bill by 6 November 2026.