In an Australian first, the Labor-Greens Coalition in the ACT will decriminalise smaller amounts of illicit drugs.
The territory government has passed a private members bill which would see individuals fined for possession of drugs such as ice, heroin, cocaine and MDMA - as opposed to imprisonment.Amounts considered trafficable quantities will remain unchanged and will not be included in the bill.
Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said treating addiction as a health issue improves outcomes for the overall community. "We know from research and evidence around the world that criminalising drug users does not reduce drug use, and that treating drug addiction as a health issue improves outcomes for everyone in the community,” she said.
"This legislation is part of our broader suite of policies developed in partnership with experts, people with lived experience and our alcohol and other drug sector to support those most in need to get the help and services they need when they need them."
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