The evidence is resoundingly clear, the so-called ‘war on drugs’ has failed. Criminalising personal drug use does not mean people don’t use drugs, it simply means drugs cause more harm.
The Greens are proud to launch our draft Bill to decriminalise personal drug use today. We are releasing a consultation draft ahead of the final bill so stakeholders and the community can have their say.
Across the world more jurisdictions are recognising the evidence of the social and individual benefits of decriminalising personal drug use. People are more likely to seek treatment for addiction, and less likely to be caught up in the justice system and the cycle of crime it leads to. Decriminalisation frees up police resources, court time and prison space, and dramatically reduces a range of costs to Government.
Decriminalisation is a preventative health measure. People with an unhealthy drug dependency have not committed a crime against another person and need to be treated through the health system not the courts. Instead of spending precious resources policing, charging, sentencing and incarcerating people for personal drug use, we should be spending that money on drug treatment programs and safe drug use education.
‘Decriminalising’ does not mean drugs will be legal. All other criminal offences related to drugs – including their manufacture, sale or supply – would remain in place.
This is about taking an evidence-based approach to drugs, one that leads to a healthier and safer community, rather than continuing to make the ignorant mistakes of decades past.
Despite this, the Tasmanian Liberal Government has stubbornly resisted calls to consider change. That’s why the Greens have taken the lead.
Our draft legislation tackles drug use and addiction as a health matter, as it should be. We encourage Tasmanians to have their say on our Bill, either through the survey or a direct submission.
The Bill, key information, and details about making a submission are available here:
