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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 1039 asked in the Legislative Council on 30 November 2021 by Hon Dr Brian Walker

Parliament: 41 Session: 1

FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE — CANNABIS USE

1039. Hon Dr BRIAN WALKER to the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence:

I refer the minister to the Purple Bench Project, which unveiled a number of benches in honour of victims of domestic violence in Bayswater this morning, which I was very pleased to attend, and I refer to the recent announcement by the McGowan government of an additional $60 million boost to help to prevent family and domestic violence, which I commend.

(1) Is the minister aware of a study published in September 2014 by the National Institutes of Health in the United States which showed a decrease in domestic violence figures when one partner took cannabis on a regular basis?

(2) Is the minister aware of any similar studies being undertaken here in Australia; and, if not, would she consider encouraging local research in this vein?

(3) If no to (2), will she allow me to share the US research with her and commit to circulating it to policymakers in her department and beyond?

Hon KYLE McGINN replied:

On behalf of the parliamentary secretary, I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. The following answer has been provided by the Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence.

(1)–(3) The minister and the Department of Communities, as the lead government agency for supporting the WA government's efforts to reduce family and domestic violence, are focused on addressing the established drivers of family and domestic violence, and violence against women. We know the drivers for preventing violence against women are overwhelmingly gender based and there is a need to address gender inequality and disrespect. Released in 2020, Path to safety: Western Australia's strategy to reduce family and domestic violence 2020–2030, the government's long-term strategy to reduce and respond to family and domestic violence, has been informed by data, research and consultation across Western Australia. This includes input from experts from academia, the specialist family and domestic violence sector and related sectors—for example, health. The minister is committed to being guided by evidence-based, best practice approaches to combat family and domestic violence that respond to the needs of the Western Australian community.