Australia: HEMP (Help End Marijuana Prohibition) Party Proposes Merger With Legalise Cannabis QLD Party

The proposal was sent out to all party members 9 November 2020.

 

The LCQ Proposal to merge with HEMP

To all HEMP Party members.

It has been a giant few weeks of politics with the very close NZ referendum on Cannabis, the Qld election and the marathon in the USA where 4 more states legalised personal use.

The HEMP Committee has received a proposal from Legalise Cannabis QLD Party with an option to merge as a federally registered party. See the letter below and see the response from HEMP Secretary Andrew regarding a memorandum of understanding between us, which sounds like a good starting point to me.

The LCQ result in the state election has stimulated support for an LCQ duplication in other states, and a Federal party, Legalise Cannabis Australia.

Western Australia go to the polls next March and there is a steering committee to attempt registration of LCWA. There is also a plan to register LCNSW, and so on.

The HEMP AGM is the only occasion to make decisions on changes to the Constitution, on behalf of all the members of the HEMP Party, by majority with those present at the meeting. We want to canvas all members for their thoughts on a big decision like changing our name.

The LCQ proposal is on the agenda for the meeting but because HEMP members are spread across the country, and cornered by the pandemic in some cases, and cannot attend the meeting in Nimbin in person, we would welcome feedback from you on what you think about the way forward.

Personally I think it’s better for us to have a single party rather than splitting the vote, and I do like the name Legalise Cannabis. No mistaking what we are about with that name!

I’m not sure about the new logo, I like the serrations in our leaf, but I’m all for getting the party beyond Nimbin and welcome the fresh enthusiasm behind LCQ who had an excellent result in the Qld election. See the results from the 23 LCQ candidates below.

The HEMP Party Annual General Meeting is at 2pm on Saturday 21 November 2020 at the Town Hall, 45 Cullen St. Nimbin.

Nominations to be on HEMP’s committee are to be received on or before Saturday, 14 November by the Secretary, Andrew Kavasilas [email protected]

A short bio and CV will help determine the suitability of nominees for an elected position on the executive committee.

The committee is re-elected each year and includes; Secretary, Treasurer, President, Vice President, Registered Officer and Deputy Registered Officer.

Voting for office bearers will be by open ordinary ballot by those present at the meeting only.

Yours sincerely,
Michael Balderstone
HEMP Party President
www.hemp.org.au/contact


FROM LCQ Committee

Good Morning All,

Following on from the groundswell of support created by the success of the Legalise Cannabis QLD Party (LCQ) in last month’s Qld State election, members of the executive of the LCQ Party were invited to Nimbin to chat about the success and how it could possibly be replicated at a federal level.

LCQ members explained that the possibility of starting a federal Legalise Cannabis Party was already being muted in our ranks and a motion was passed to go ahead with this plan at a special meeting called for that purpose.

In following days, further discussions were had with Michael Balderstone. He informed us that there had been mixed reactions to this advice from the HEMP executive. Michael suggested that an alternative might be that the LCQ members consider nominating for positions on the HEMP executive.

Upon further discussions with Michael Balderstone a proposal was made by LCQ that the two groups amalgamate for a fresh new face in Cannabis law reform and emerge under the Legalise Cannabis Australia Party name, using our logo to replace the current HEMP logo and that the new Party take on a much more proactive role in trying to get candidates elected to both the House of Reps (in selected seats); and continue to field two candidates in each state for the Senate.

It was decided by both groups that these suggestions be put to the HEMP membership for consideration and feedback prior to the AGM on 21/11/20 so that if the membership is in favour, the changes can be made at the AGM.

In a move to modernise the party it has been suggested that the headquarters for a new Party be away from Nimbin. Gold coast is the LCQ’s preferred option possibly leasing an office or shop front to conduct business and provide a party address.

As the HEMP AGM is almost upon us, and any major changes such as those proposed here can only be made at an AGM, we are halting any further forward motion toward registration of the LCA Party until after the HEMP AGM.

We look forward to hearing feedback from the HEMP membership and hope for a positive outcome for all concerned – one that is in the best interest of re-legalising Cannabis for all its uses in Australia, sooner rather than later.

Kind Regards
Tony Hopkins
on behalf of the LCQ Party Executive Committee 7/11/20

https://legalisecannabisqld.org.au


Legalise Cannabis Australia Party proposal

OPTION A

1. The HEMP Party and Legalise Cannabis Australia Party amalgamate under the name of Legalise Cannabis Australia (LCA) Party, using the LCA Party logo; and

2. Be more than a ‘protest vote’, and take a much more proactive role in trying to endorse candidates into selected seats of the Lower House and continue to nominate two candidates from each state for the Australian Senate.

3. That the LCA Party Headquarters moves to a leased office / shop front away from Nimbin in one of the larger metropolitan areas – the Gold Coast is LCQ’s preferred option; and

4. To facilitate this amalgamation, the new Party Executive has Joint Presidents – one from HEMP and one from the LCQ Party elected at this year’s AGM.

OR

OPTION B

1. The LCA goes ahead with seeking registration from the AEC as a separate entity to the HEMP Party.

 

HEMP was asked to reply to the LCQ committee before 11 November.

Please note: The list of LCQ proposal items has been modified for this email. The first two items of option A are derived from one item.


Heather’s opinion

I gave it a lot of thought, I think it would be a good thing to amalgamate with LCQ.

I realize and respect all HEMP Party members have given their heart and soul over the years but in all honesty we are a bit stale.

Would be great to enlarge our group and inject some new energy.

Heather Marie Gladman
HEMP Party Vice President – 8 November


A reply to Tony from Andrew

Thanks for the call today.

As discussed, there’s great scope for our parties and a united party to emerge stronger and more likely to be effective.

Considering HEMP received over 260,000 primary votes at the last federal election, I can appreciate the sentiment and enthusiasm of Legalise Cannabis, it’s definitely a shared feeling we have.

This email is to confirm that you understand that HEMP cannot meet the time-frame for any decisions as mentioned in your letter.

If all goes well, HEMP will have its AGM on 21 November, after which members must be notified of whatever plan is determined for the party.

An EGM will need to called and voting invited, though an online vote could be done.

I think a plan should be developed that unites the Cannabis community like never before.

A plan can be outlined and strong efforts can be made by HEMP and foundation committees to establish State Parties under the LC banner.

In turn, LC would support HEMP in any by-elections.

There’s no reason to not write about a plan for overall amalgamation at the State and Federal level. I would be happy to assist in this area.

Hope this helps

Regards
Andrew Kavasilas
HEMP Party Secretary – 9 November 2020

www.hemp.org.au/about/constitution

7.1 The Constitution of the Party may be amended, varied or added to on the recommendation of the executive committee provided that any such amendment is approved by a majority of members at an Annual General Meeting.

Please note: Andrew’s reply to the LCQ proposal was composed without the consent of the other members of the HEMP executive committee. This email is provided to you for consideration as a registered member of the HEMP Party. The LCQ proposal has been sent to you, against the demands of the secretary to withhold it. 


LCQ Election Summary

The LCQ contested 23 of the 93 Queensland electorates. The statewide tally is not an accurate assessment of the LCQ’s overall performance. There is no Legislative Council in Queensland Parliament.

The LCQ has done pretty well, especially for a first time effort and a single issue party at that. It’s really an achievement to be ahead of the Green’s, One Nation, the Australia United Party and the Katter Party, in some electorates.

Well done to all those who contributed to the LCQ Party and the 2 Cannabis Independents who took part in the Queensland election.

QLD Election 2020 Results

www.abc.net.au/news/elections/qld/2020/results

  • Bundaberg – Ian Zunker – 5.5%
  • Burleigh – Ingrid Weber – 3.7%
  • Everton – Frank Jordan – 2.6%
  • Gaven – Suzette Luyken – 3.9%
  • Inala – Nigel Quinlan – 2.5%
  • Ipswich – Shelly Morton – 5.5%
  • Ipswich West – Anthony Hopkins – 4.5%
  • Keppel – James Dockery – 2.6%
  • McConnel – Paul Swan – 2.2%
  • Mackay – Shaun Krstic – 4.3%
  • Mansfield – Brendan Taylor – 2.3%
  • Maryborough – River Body – 2.7%
  • Mermaid Beach – Deb Lynch – 4.0%
  • Miller – Josip Zirdum – 3.2%
  • Mount Ommaney – Clive Brazier – 3.2%
  • Mundingburra – Susan Jackson – 4.6%
  • Nanango – Maggie O’Rance – 4.2%
  • Pumicestone – Ryan Dryden – 4.2%
  • Redlands – Frank Brady – 3.5%
  • Rockhampton – Laura Barnard – 3.9%
  • Southern Downs – Debbie Waldron – 3.8%
  • Toohey – Nikolas Peterson – 3.7%
  • Whitsunday – Paul Hilder – 4.8%

Cannabis Independents

  • South Brisbane – Dr. John Jiggens – 1.2%
  • Waterford – Lanai Carter – 2.5%

Expect final results to change slightly. 6% is the current threshold to qualify for electoral funding in Queensland.

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