Leadership on drug law welcomed
Health and community organisations have commended Queensland MPs for passing legislative changes that support a health-based approach to drug use.
The Police Powers and Responsibilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill has been amended to expand the Police Drug Diversion Program for cannabis, to include other drugs.
Under the changes, which will come into effect after proclamation, people found with small amounts of drugs for personal use can be given a warning or referral to a health intervention. A fourth interaction with police will result in a court notice. Manufacturing and trafficking drugs remain a criminal offence.
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Australian Medical Association Queensland (AMA Queensland), Queensland Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (QNADA) and QuIVAA, the Queensland peak peer drug user organisation, applauded the move towards a sensible, health-based approach to personal drug use.
“This is an important step forward in treating minor drug use as a health issue. We have been calling for this since we convened our drug law reform roundtable in July 2021,” said AMA Queensland President, Dr Maria Boulton.
“We welcome the expansion of the Police Drug Diversion Program as an important evidence-based step toward reducing the potential for harms associated with drug use in Queensland, including by reducing contact with the criminal justice system,” said QNADA CEO, Rebecca Lang.
“This is a step forward for better social justice and public health outcomes here in Queensland,” said QuiVAA CEO, Emma Kill.
The criminalisation of drugs causes stigma and can stop people who use drugs, from reaching out for help and support when they need it most. Furthermore, interactions with the justice system often exceed the harms that may be associated with drug use itself.
“The criminalisation of personal drug use has led to further stigmatisation and deaths within our community,” explained Emma Kill from QuiVAA.
“By adopting a health-based approach to drug use, Queensland is sending a message that it values the lives and wellbeing of all its citizens, including those experiencing addiction,” Ms Kill added.
“For people who do have issues with their drug use, often this has more to do with other challenges they might be facing. In these situations, it’s crucial that people receive the help and support they need to be healthy and well,” said the Alcohol and Drug Foundation's CEO, Dr Erin Lalor AM.
“A health-based approach to personal drug use is key to reducing stigma and other serious harms. It has many benefits for the whole of community, including more people reaching out for help and support,” Dr Lalor added.
It’s now critical that there is independent monitoring and reviews of the expanded Police Drug Diversion program, as well as strong support for alcohol and other drug treatment services.
“Implementation will be key in ensuring its effective roll-out across Queensland. It needs to be supported by a strong monitoring framework that includes input from peak bodies and non-government alcohol and other drug treatment services,” explained Rebecca Lang from QNADA.
“Now we need to make sure that our stretched alcohol and other drug treatment services have the resources they need. It’s estimated that 17,000 people will be diverted from the legal system each year, reducing costs for our police, legal services, courts and corrective services. We need to redirect those savings to our health system,” urged AMA Queensland President, Dr Boulton.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the government to strengthen the health response for all people who use drugs,” concluded Dr Lalor from the Alcohol and Drug Foundation.
For information on accessing support for alcohol and other drug issues in Queensland, call Adis on 1800 177 833, or visit:
