A new candidate for the Secret Harbour by-election has been announced with former Rockingham councillor Dr Craig Buchanan endorsed as the Legalise Cannabis WA Party candidate.
Dr Buchanan served two terms on the Rockingham Council before resigning in April this year.
He holds a PhD in in English Literature from the University of Western Australia and is currently a research officer and senior advisor for the Hon. Dr Brian Walker MLC in the Legislative Council.
Dr Buchanan's primary focus will be on cannabis law reform including changes to driving laws affecting medicinal cannabis patients, workplace rights and making medicinal cannabis treatment more affordable and accessible.
"Secret Harbour deserves a representative who will hold decision-makers to account and push for laws based on science, not prejudice," Dr Buchanan said.
"I'm ready to work across party lines to serve our community with compassion and common sense."
Dr Buchanan's advocacy is grounded in his own health journey after he was diagnosed with bowel cancer two years ago.
He underwent major surgery and credits medicinal cannabis with giving him "freedom of choice" and "bodily autonomy" throughout his recovery.
"I know first-hand that medicinal cannabis is life-changing medication," Dr Buchanan said.
"It's about the right to heal and function without the fear of outdated stigma or unfair legal repercussions."
The Secret Harbour by-election will be held on August 29.
Dr Buchanan will be up against Labor's Georgia Tree and rumoured Liberal candidate Ryan Robertson.
One Nation is yet to announce their candidate.
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