An Australian-first move to decriminalise small quantities of illicit drugs has begun in the national capital.
The ACT’s drug decriminalisation kicks in from Saturday meaning cautions, small fines and diversion programs will be handed out in place of prison sentences.
It is the first time drug possession won’t draw criminal sanction in an Australian jurisdiction, and could be a test case for the rest of the nation moving forward.
Substances like cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamine and ice are covered by the new laws, although officials are quick to stress the move is about harm minimisation rather than creating a free-for-all.
It’s still an offence to supply or manufacture drugs and those found by authorities will be confiscated, and drivers caught with illegal substances in their system still face hefty penalties.
The ACT government is not expecting a significant change in patterns of drug use, but will independently review the laws after two years to assess their impact.
“The safest option is to not take drugs at all. However, we recognise people will use illicit drugs and believe a health-based approach to drug use leads to better outcomes,” ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said in a statement.
“By treating drug use as a health issue, not a criminal one, we are providing pathways for people to access the health services and support they need.”
The government is coupling the new laws with an information campaign about the reforms, aimed at venues, medical professionals and support services.
The policy drew the ire of the federal coalition, with senator Michaelia Cash declaring the laws would make Canberra a drug tourism destination filled with people “hoping to experience the ACT's party lifestyle”.
But Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy director Chris Gough said punishing people for drug use did nothing to stop them experiencing harm.
“By allowing people who use drugs to be referred to a health service instead of being given a criminal conviction, people are encouraged to seek help and treatment,” he said.
“And, importantly, (it shows) society hasn’t given up on them, but instead is understanding and supporting them to do better.”
