Democrat wants ecstasy trial for traumatised Aussie war vets
Democrat wants ecstasy trial for traumatised Aussie war vets
19June 2008
published by www.news.com.au
DEMOCRATS MP Sandra Kanck has called for trials of ecstasy to treat soldiers suffering the effects of post traumatic stress disorder.
Democrats MLC Sandra Kanck today told parliament that trials of the drug MDMA – also known as ecstasy – on soldiers in the U.S. and Israel, had shown “excellent results” and should be used recommended for use in South Australia by the State Government.
Ms Kanck said she doubted the proposal would be well received by the Attorney-General and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Michael Atkinson..
“I can imagine what the minister’s knee-jerk reaction will be … but I hope that he will go beyond that and look at the science,” she told parliament.
“They have done it with rape victims, they have done it with war victims and everywhere they have tried it in these trials they have found it to be a superlative drug.”
Ms Kanck has come under intense criticism, even from her own party members, for her stance on ecstasy use.
She stunned political circles and worried constitutional experts when she told parliament there was no evidence the drug was dangerous.
She also came under fire when she advocated ecstasy use for those people traumatised by the Eyre Peninsula bushfires in 2006.
Ms Kanck’s question was referred to Veterans Affairs Minister Michael Atkinson.
