Albury pharmacist Aimee Pearson has been named the Legalise Cannabis Party’s candidate in next month’s federal byelection in Farrer, NSW, with cannabis driving laws among her top policy priorities.
Pearson will also focus on local healthcare issues, including the “under pressure” Albury Hospital, and cost-of-living crisis facing many families.
She said her personal and professional experiences – Pearson has worked in community pharmacy and oncology – have shaped the issues on which her campaign is built.
“When my husband was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, we saw the reality of managing chronic pain,” Pearson said. “That experience really opened my eyes to how important it is that patients can actually access the treatments that work for them, and also how some of the laws just haven’t kept up.”
Medicinal cannabis made a “real difference” to her husband’s condition, she said, and avoided a need to take opioids. Yet he could still be arrested for taking the medicine and driving, even when unimpaired.
“I’ve seen the benefits [of medicinal cannabis] up close, not just as a pharmacist, but at home,” Pearson said.
“But what’s frustrating is that the law hasn’t caught up with that reality. You can follow your doctor’s advice and still lose your licence. That’s not how any other prescription medicine is treated.
“If you’re not impaired, you shouldn’t be punished, especially in regional areas where people rely on their licence. Losing it can be devastating, both personally and financially.”
Pearson will also campaign on local issues including strengthening services at Albury Hospital and improving infrastructure and services across border communities.
“Everyone in this community knows the pressure our health services are under, including at Albury Hospital,” she said. “People shouldn’t have to wait months or travel long distances just to get the care they need.
“People here are fed up with being overlooked and they’re tired of the same old politics not delivering.”
Legalise Cannabis Australia president Michael Balderstone said: “Aimee gets it. From healthcare to the nonsense around cannabis laws. We’ve got politicians in Canberra who just don’t understand what’s going on in the real world, and people are fed up.”
Voters go to the polls on May 9 following the ousting of former Liberal leader Sussan Ley who held the Farrer seat for 25 years.
Ley quit parliament after being deposed by Angus Taylor as leader of the party in February.
