THE ACT government will move ahead with decriminalising small amounts of illicit drugs.

Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith today (June 9) tabled a government inquiry response supporting a drug decriminliasation Bill introduced by Labor MLA Michael Pettersson.

The Bill would see people in the ACT able to carry “personal possessions” of drugs including up to two grams of cocaine, ice and heroin, up to 0.5 gm of ecstasy, or up to 0.002 gm of LSD.

The Bill also proposes the introduction of a “simple drug offence notice” (SDON), where those caught with drugs would be fined and referred to a medical professional, rather than face the justice system.

Ms Stephen-Smith said the government will propose several amendments to the Bill, including providing offenders the option of visiting a drug diversion program.

The proposed amendments will retain the list of drugs proposed in Mr Petterson’s Bill, other than methadone, which is regulated as a pharmaceutical drug.

Minister Stephen-Smith said the government will ensure that harm reduction is “front and centre” of the change.

“We know from research and evidence around the world that criminalising drug users does not reduce drug use and that treating drug addiction as a health issue improves outcomes for everyone in the community,” said Ms Stephen-Smith.

According to the government, a survey conducted last year found that only one in 10 people in Canberra supported imprisonment for drug possession offences.

Despite this, the Bill has drawn some criticism, including from Australian Federal Police commissioner Reece Kershaw who said it would lead to a more dangerous environment for police.

“I don’t think there’s ever a safe level when it comes to those particular drugs,” said commissioner Kershaw.

“It’s a causal factor of domestic violence. Also, you’re talking about a lot of traffic accidents where, sadly, people lose their lives. You’ll find that there’s a drug involved now more and more in some of the states.”