Page 2299 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 3 August 2022
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
on many things, but on this issue his observations are very accurate and stand the test of time. I do know that he made them over the course of his lifetime and was particularly active in this debate in the United States in the 1970s, 80s and 90s.
I note that through the history of this Assembly, ACT governments of both political persuasions have tended to apply a progressive harm reduction policy towards illicit drug use in this jurisdiction. Back in the day when the Liberals were liberals, Kate Carnell, as a predecessor of mine in this role, did seek to progress drug law reform during her chief ministership. I acknowledge that. But the Liberal Party of 2022 is no longer a liberal party.
We know that the Canberra community supports a harm reduction approach to minor drug possession offences. We know that. It is very clear in all of the public research and even in the push polling that I regularly received from former senator Zed Seselja about all the terrible things that I was apparently responsible for in the lead-up to the most recent federal election, when he was running that, presumably on behalf of the Liberal Party, and these sorts of questions were asked. It is pretty clear what the result of that polling was.
Mr Hanson: Is it?
MR BARR: Yes, very. Because—
Mr Hanson: Is it?
MR BARR: we have got research as well, Mr Hanson.
Mr Hanson: Have you?
MR BARR: So we know what the Canberra community thinks and that is why—
Mr Hanson: Do you? What is your research?
MR BARR: Indeed, and that is why we are pursuing this policy agenda. We know that the Canberra community overwhelmingly supports a harm reduction approach, including fines and diversion to drug education and treatment services, as opposed to criminal conviction and prison sentences.
This legislation is about changing the focus of law enforcement and further reducing the harm caused by illicit drug use. The proposed introduction of a simple drug offence notice will enable police to issue a $100 fine to anyone found in possession of small amounts of nine illicit drugs. Individuals issued with this notice will have a choice between paying the fine or diversion to an assessment, drug education and drug treatment referral by the illicit drug diversion program. Prison sentences will no longer be an option for individuals possessing small quantities of these most commonly used illicit drugs. The maximum penalty a court could impose would be one penalty unit.
The proposed legislation and amendments do not undermine the ongoing efforts of the government, of police and of prosecutors to fight drug trafficking and organised crime.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video