Queensland commended for drug law leadership

Health organisations have commended the Queensland Government for introducing legislation to expand the Police Drug Diversion Program for cannabis to include other drugs, saying it’s a positive step towards a health-based approach to drug use.

Manufacturing and dealing drugs would remain a criminal offence under the changes. However, people in Queensland found with small amounts of drugs for personal use would be given a warning or health intervention. A fourth interaction with police would result in a court notice.

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Australian Medical Association Queensland (AMA Queensland) and the Queensland Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (QNADA) said a health-based approach to personal drug use is key to reducing negative stigma and other serious harms such as death.

“A health-based approach to drug use benefits the whole of community by helping to reduce drug-related deaths and disease, reduce stigma and problematic drug use, and see more people reaching out for help and support,” said AMA Queensland President, Dr Maria Boulton.

“Diversion is a sensible prevention and early intervention approach,” Dr Boulton said.

“For people who do have issues with their drug use, often this has more to do with the other challenges they might be facing. In these situations, our role as a community is to help them with the support they need to be healthy and well,” said the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s CEO, Dr Erin Lalor AM.

“We know that the criminalisation of personal drug use leads to negative stigma, which can stop people from reaching out for help and support when they need it most. Having a criminal record for drug use can also reduce employment opportunities, which can affect families and communities over generations,” said QNADA CEO, Rebecca Lang.

“Diverting people to the health system also frees up police resources so they can focus on the supply and trafficking of drugs,” Ms Lang added.

The health organisations said there is strong and growing support among Australians for a health-based approach to drug use.

“We know that many Queenslanders would prefer people in possession of small amounts of drugs to receive a caution or warning, or be referred to treatment or an education program,” Dr Lalor said.

For information on accessing support for alcohol and other drug issues in Queensland, call Adis on 1800 177 833, or visit https://qnada.org.au/where-to-get-help/