POSSESSION of small amounts of illicit drugs will be decriminalised in the ACT after the Drugs of Dependence (Personal Possession) Amendment Bill 2022 passed the ACT Legislative Assembly today (October 20).
There will be a 12-month transition period.
Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith hailed the passage of the legislation as ‘nation leading’.
“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.
From late October 2023, the possession of small amounts of certain illicit drugs will be decriminalised meaning that people will no longer be exposed to potential prison sentences and instead may be issued a caution, a $100 fine or referred to an illicit drug diversion program.
She said the government would now take the next 12 months to implement oversight arrangements, deliver training for frontline workers, including police, and develop public and targeted communications with police, the alcohol and drug sector, academic experts and people with lived experience.
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