myAIPMDrugs could soon be decriminalised in the ACT: Here’s why that would be a positive step
Nicole Lee | Policing Insight
"A private members bill is currently being considered in the Parliament of the Australian Capital Territory that could see the possession of many illicit drugs for personal use decriminalised; Professor Nicole Lee of the National Drug Research Institute at Curtin University, and RMIT University Lecturer Jarryd Bartle believe the move is a natural conclusion to decades of research on drug-related harms.
In February this year, Labor backbencher Michael Pettersson introduced a private members bill to remove criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of some illicit drugs in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
This might seem like a radical step to some, but researchers and health professionals have been calling for this reform for some time.
Most Australians support decriminalisation and a less punitive approach to drug use. The bill is currently before a parliamentary committee that will look at the evidence and submissions from professionals, people who use drugs and the general public, and will report back in October this year."
Read more
Drugs could soon be decriminalised in the ACT: Here’s why that would be a positive step, Nicole Lee, Policing Insight, 2021