Page 1915 - Week 06 - Thursday, 9 June 2022
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working through the incredible complexity of this policy space for the better part of a year and a half.
On that note, I acknowledge the work of the ACT Health Directorate team, which is incredibly well informed and connected, and has provided the government with thoughtful advice on these complex issues.
I would also like to take this opportunity to commit to continuing to work with key stakeholders—people with lived experience, policy experts, and those delivering alcohol and other drug treatment services over the coming weeks to ensure that the finer detail of the approach I am outlining today is clear, understandable and delivers on the harm reduction goals that Mr Pettersson set out to achieve.
The government response details our proposed approach, agreeing to eight recommendations, agreeing in principle to eight recommendations and noting one. I take this opportunity to outline where the government is proposing to amend Mr Pettersson’s bill to achieve its aims.
Further decriminalisation of personal possession of illicit drugs, while retaining penalties for larger quantities, and particularly drug trafficking, is another important component of the ACT government’s overall harm minimisation approach to illicit drugs. The ACT government has a nation-leading record in drug decriminalisation, and in recognising personal illicit drug use as a matter for health services instead of prosecution.
The government has given detailed consideration to the Drugs of Dependence (Personal Use) Amendment Bill 2021, including social, economic and operational considerations. The government is proposing sensible amendments to ensure that the bill can be implemented to achieve its goals—supporting people who have health needs to access the care that they need and reducing the stigma associated with illicit drug use to facilitate that access.
The proposed government amendments will ensure that the potential for diversion away from the criminal justice system is maximised, with the illicit drug diversion program to be available as a health-based alternative to paying the simple drug offence notice—SDON—fine. The proposed approach will also improve consistency of the reforms across different drugs, so that the changes are clearer for people who use drugs and those involved in enforcement.
The proposed government amendments will look to ensure that there is a considered approach to these important reforms, with a review point after three years to ensure that the legislation is fit for purpose and has not had unintended consequences. Other changes to the bill will ensure greater flexibility in response to changing trends over the longer term.
The proposed approach will include a 12-month implementation period to allow for appropriate police training and review of the supporting administrative arrangements, including the guidelines for the health-focused illicit drug diversion program. This will also allow time for a focus on messaging in relation to the government’s
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