Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd

The Hon. Kevin Rudd MP
Prime Minister of Australia
House of Representatives
Parliament House Monday 10th December 2007 Canberra ACT 2600

Dear Prime Minister,

Firstly, Congratulations on being elected as The Prime Minister of Australia.

Secondly, Please find enclosed herewith a copy of our letter to the former Prime Minister John Howard, dated 9th February 2006, as it appears he was using his influence on other state Minister's in taking a tougher line on marijuana consumption. With respect, we request to direct all the states leaders to consider coming in line the ACT legislation regarding marijuana. As prohibition has caused an unnecessary burden on the people of Australia..

We were disappointed in the response that we had received from Minister's acting on behalf of Mr. Howard, and shocked to learn that the Government,(15 May 2006).agreed to develop the National Cannabis Strategy 2006-2009 Openly stating this National Strategy, as the first of its kind in Australia. We point out we have been involved in Cannabis reform since 1975, and have filed our concerns by way of submissions and letters to various Governments over many years. which leaves open to questions true meaning of "the first of it kind in Australia"

In the mid 90s Government reports suggested that 82% of Australia population age over 14 had used Cannabis, according to the NCS this " has fallen since 1998, the latest household survey indicated that 5.5 million people over the age of 14 have tried cannabis at least once during their lives. Considering that just over 13 Million vote at the last election, We feel NCS may have disadvantage Mr Howard and his colleagues, It well may have been the case.

It may be of interest to note that, The Victorian Government's drug reform strategy "Turning the tide' page 18 states that "A recent analysis by Access Economics estimates that spending on illegal drugs in Australia amounts to $7 Billion per year,... Seventy per cent of the spending on illegal drugs is on cannabis" . Surely this money can be spent on more worthwhile things?

After you have perused the National Cannabis Strategy 2006-2009, it may become apparent that it's nothing more then rehashing old issues surrounding cannabis use, it offers no evidence whatsoever that supports cannabis prohibition. Members of the legal profession receive Hugh financial gains, and are the only real winners of the cannabis never ending debate..

We humbly request, If you see fit to do so, with the Australian public's best interest and future well-fare in mind, To recommend to the Cabinet to consider abolishing the National Cannabis Strategy 2006-2009. as to lift the uneccasary burden placed on the people of Victoria, and saving the tax payer many Millions of Dollars.

We would appreciate notice of your intention,

Yours faithfully

Les McDonald
Founder, BeBuyBac