Legalised Cannabis MP Brian Walker has sent controversial Christmas cards emphasising the potential financial contribution weed could deliver to the WA budget.
Wishing all West Aussies “hempy holidays”, the front of the card features a festive cartoon where Dr Walker is superimposed on a cheerful looking Santa.
Bizarrely, he is depicted holding a wooden box overflowing with money, with “for WA, $1.25B” written on the front.
“Wishing you high spirits and hempy holidays. This Christmas, let’s unwrap the gift of economic growth by legalising cannabis,” Dr Walker wrote.
It was signed with “your friend, Dr Brian Walker”.
A QR code on the back of the card leads to a page on his website that displays statistics about weed consumption and a report on the potential benefits legalising cannabis could have for the WA economy.
The economic analysis, which the WA Legalise Cannabis Party commissioned University of WA Business School’s Dr Mohammad Farhad to write, reports that an estimated $1.25b in additional government revenue could be attained over the forward estimates.
It isn’t the first time Dr Walker has raised eyebrows with a creative approach during the festive season to spread his political messaging.
To call for reforms to drug-driving laws last year, the GP depicted himself being pulled over by police while driving a sleigh full of weed.
The 69-year-old had wished recipients a “Happy Holi-Blaze”.
Dr Walker admitted to The West Australian he tries to outdo his previous Christmas card each year “with something even more whimsically ‘poorly photoshopped’ than before”.
“While they initially present a light-hearted front, a closer examination reveals layers of deeper political commentary,” he said.
“This blend of humour and earnest political discourse embodies my approach to connecting with the community.”
Dr Walker started his term in the WA Legislative Council for the East Metropolitan Region in May 2021.