Page 2797 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 11 October 2022
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Effect on young people
The Bill follows a recommendation from the 2020 Inquiry into Youth Mental Health in the ACT to investigate the appropriateness of a simple drug offence notice, to increase diversion of young people from the criminal justice system. The inquiry process following the introduction of the Bill, alongside the Government’s own policy work and engagement with stakeholders, has enabled consideration of the diversity of views and experiences in the community.
The Bill recognises that in most instances, contact with the criminal justice system for drug possession can do more harm than good, and it will mean fewer people get a criminal record for a minor drug offence. This will limit the damage to the life prospects of Canberrans, particularly our young people, that can occur through a criminal conviction for a minor drug offence. It will also help to reduce drug-related stigma, helping to ensure young Canberrans access health services.
Alcohol and other drug treatment services
The Government is committed to investing in evidence-based and practice-informed harm minimisation responses to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. The ACT Government invests more than $22 million each year in AOD treatment and harm reduction services in the ACT. The Government has invested more than $32 million in harm minimisation initiatives since the commencement of the ACT Drug Strategy Action Plan 2018-2021.
This includes significant investments in the 2022-23 Budget, with more than $13 million of additional funding for harm minimisation services. A key component of this investment is more than $6.4 million of funding over four years to deliver support services and counsellors for families, carers and children of people who use drugs; boost residential alcohol and other drug treatment services; and increase targeted treatment for methamphetamine dependence. The Budget also continues our commitment to redevelop the Watson health precinct, which will allow a significant increase in services for young people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people when completed.
The ACT Government is currently undertaking a commissioning process to ascertain the current and emerging needs of the community to ensure future services are designed to meet those needs. This process will provide opportunities to consider the appropriate suite of AOD treatment and support services.
Education campaigns
The Government does not condone drug use. It remains risky and dangerous to consume illicit drugs, and this Bill does not change that view. However, a “just say no” approach is not effective in preventing or delaying commencement of substance use in young people. The Bill with Government amendments will have a 12-month implementation period, allowing time for messaging so the ACT community can build awareness about what the changes mean for them. This work will also provide an opportunity for targeted communication to reiterate that there is no safe amount of illicit drug consumption, and to highlight relevant helpful resources.
I also note that as part of implementation of the ACT Drug Strategy Action Plan 2018-2021, the Positive Choices website has been publicised to teachers as a key
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