Tough penalties for people who supply petrol sniffers

19/5/04
People who supply small amounts of petrol, paint, glue and other volatile substances for the purpose of inhaling could face a year in jail or a $12,000 fine.
Attorney-General Jim McGinty has announced plans to introduce legislation to make the sale and supply of intoxicants to people who are likely to abuse them a crime.
Mr McGinty said the proposal was in response to an appeal from Aboriginal communities in Western Australia that were battling to deal with the problem.
Petrol sniffing is rife among young people in some Aboriginal communities. Long-term use can cause brain damage, violence and psychological problems.
"The Aboriginal communities, particularly those in the desert areas to the east and north of Kalgoorlie, are plagued by glue sniffing and petrol sniffing, which not only damages the brain but also leads to criminal behaviour," the Attorney General said.
"What we are seeing is a disintegration of communities because of the sniffing of petrol, paint and glue and what we want to be able to do is to deal with those people who bring it into those communities and who then wreak havoc on them.
"Things like petrol, glue, paint, all of which are notorious as being sniffed by young people in these communities, destroy their lives and they go on to destroy the lives of those around them.
"The magistrates and the local communities have all been crying out for a change of the law."
Mr McGinty said the planned legislation would not affect retailers and was strictly aimed at people who supplied intoxicants to others for the purpose of inhaling.
Supplying petrol or other substances to be inhaled is not currently a criminal offence in WA.
Aboriginal communities have been invited to provide input into the proposed law.
Attorney General's office: 9220 5000