ACT Greens Spokesperson on Drug Harm Reduction Johnathan Davis MLA has today welcomed the ACT Government’s response to the Drugs of Dependence (Personal Use) Amendment Bill 2021 inquiry.
“The ACT Greens are pleased that the ACT Government has today agreed to decriminalise small amounts of the most commonly used and best understood illicit drugs by introducing a simple drug offence notice (SDON)” Mr Davis said.
“While we know that the majority of Canberrans support drug decriminalisation and only 1 in 10 people support imprisonment for drug possession offences, I understand some in our community remain concerned about this reform.
“I want the community to know that I once held very conservative views on this issue having cared for a close family member who struggled with drug use. Through listening, learning and engaging with the evidence, I am proud to have changed my views and over time, I have become a passionate advocate for drug law reform that is focussed on harm reduction.
“Sadly, today in the Assembly we saw the next instalment of the Canberra Liberals’ politically expedient disregard of the evidence, attacking vulnerable people and pushing them further into the shadows. I encourage the Canberra community not to take their lead from the Canberra Liberals on this issue, and to instead engage empathetically with the evidence.”
