Legalise Cannabis WA Leader Criticizes ABC for Exclusion from Election Forum

Perth, WA – Dr. Brian Walker, leader of the Legalise Cannabis WA Party (LCWA), has publicly condemned the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) for what he describes as "a wholly unacceptable political bias" following his exclusion from a recent party leaders' forum.

The event in question, ABC Perth Radio’s "Mornings Live Election Special: Ask the Leaders," aired on February 12, 2025, featuring leaders from various Western Australian political parties. Notably absent was Dr. Walker, who asserts that despite multiple communications to the ABC requesting inclusion, he was not invited to participate.

In a statement released by LCWA, Dr. Walker expressed his concerns:

"The ABC’s clear bias against the Legalise Cannabis Party and movement is so blatant that we have gone so far as to seek senior legal advice in recent days."

He further emphasized the broader implications of this exclusion:

"This should be a concern to every right-minded voter in our state. They are violating our rights now, and in so doing, they are violating yours as well."

Dr. Walker announced plans to make a public statement at the WA Museum prior to the broadcast, inviting media outlets, excluding the ABC, to attend. He also indicated that LCWA is considering legal avenues in response to the perceived bias.

The ABC has yet to issue a public response to these allegations.

This incident has sparked a broader conversation about media impartiality and the representation of emerging political parties in public forums. As the state election approaches, the role of public broadcasters in ensuring equitable coverage remains a critical topic of discussion.

For more information, please refer to the official statement from the Legalise Cannabis WA Party.