Independent views By Brendan Horan

I often wonder if the community at large truly appreciate the advantages of independent MPs. As an independent, I'm able to work with, develop and support bills I know will better my community and NZ at large. An example is my current work with health Minister Tony Ryall, aiming at ridding our community of psychoactive substances.

I am able to better represent our community interests, as opposed to supporting party policy. As an independent I can research and gauge community opinion, as I did with the psychoactive substances debate. Then I can support this opinion to seek change, and work with the Government under no threat to party alliances, to ensure a positive outcome for all.

It has been a satisfactory outcome developing the Psychoactive Amendment Bill and in particular and upon request, assisting my fellow Bay of Plenty MP and health minister Tony Ryall in the writing and construction of the Bill. I have further requested the disposal and collection of the product be handled by appropriate authorities.

My support for the Psychoactive Substances Amendment Bill is a no brainer, for some months regular readers of my column will acknowledge my opposition to the legal status these drugs held in our community. Readers will also recall my commentary on the damage caused by the drugs to our community, our families and those who used the product. Reports from accident and emergency departments throughout the country helped raise awareness and began a community drive to push for removal of the legal status the products held. People power has saved the day and I'm so pleased we have removed the poison from our streets.

If you would like to discuss this, or any other issues, please contact me.

Facebook.com/Brendan.horan.336 twitter.com/brendanhoran or Phone Brendan on 07 574 0253.