ACT becomes first Australian jurisdiction to decriminalise illicit drugs in small quantities

People found with small amounts of drugs for personal use, including heroin and cocaine, will be cautioned, fined or referred to drug programs
The Guardian (UK)
Thursday, October 20, 2022

australia decrimThe Australian Capital Territory has become the first Australian jurisdiction to decriminalise illicit drugs in small quantities. Laws passed in the territory’s parliament mean people found with small amounts of nine different types of illicit drugs will not be criminally prosecuted. Instead they will be cautioned, fined or referred to a drug diversion program. The substances decriminalised include heroin, cocaine and speed. The ACT health minister, Rachel Stephen-Smith, said focusing on harm-minimisation rather than punishing drug users was the way forward. “The ACT has led the nation with a progressive approach to reducing the harm caused by illicit drugs with a focus on diversion, access to treatment and rehabilitation and reducing the stigma attached to drug use,” she said