Canberra has decriminalised small amounts of commonly used illicit drugs, a first for any Australian State or Territory.
Announced by the Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith, the recently passed Drugs of Dependence (Personal Possession) Amendment Bill 2022 decriminalises the personal possession of small amounts of the most commonly used illicit drugs, including speed, heroin and cocaine.
Ms Stephen-Smith said the passage of the legislation was the logical next step in the Territory’s commitment to deliver evidence-based and practice-informed harm minimisation responses to alcohol and other drugs used.
“This sensible reform is based on the expert advice that a health focused, harm reduction approach delivers the best outcome for people using drugs,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“From late October 2023, the possession of small amounts of certain illicit drugs will be decriminalised,” she said.
“This means people will no longer be exposed to potential prison sentences and instead may be issued a caution, a $100 fine or referred to an illicit drug diversion program.”
Ms Stephen-Smith said the reform would reduce the stigma and fear for people who were using drugs to access health services.
She said that by diverting people to a drug diversion program, people who used drugs would be offered the health services and support they needed while providing a pathway away from the criminal justice system.
“Government will now take the next 12 months prior to the reform commencing to implement oversight arrangements, deliver training for frontline workers, including police, and develop public and targeted communications with ACT Policing, the alcohol and drug sector, academic experts and people with lived experience,” the Minister said.
“This change has been made with extensive consultation and input from policy experts, local and national drug and alcohol sector advocates, service providers, ACT Government directorates and ACT Policing,” she said.
