Qld health bodies welcome moves to decriminalise minor drug possession

Queensland’s peak medical bodies have welcomed steps to decriminalise minor drug possession as a positive step towards a health-based approach to drug use.

Under the proposed laws, people caught with small amounts of the full spectrum of illicit drugs and pharmaceuticals will get a warning for a first offence before being offered diversion programs.

The Queensland government wants to expand its drug diversion program.Credit: Queensland Police Service

The changes aim to prevent people from developing substance abuse disorders, and free up police time so they can focus on larger local drug manufacturers and traffickers.

The laws will limit the quantity of drugs, but those who commit minor drug offences and serious crimes or who have previously been jailed for serious drug crimes won’t be eligible.

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Australian Medical Association Queensland, and the Queensland Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies support the proposed legislation.

“A health-based approach to drug use benefits the whole 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.”

Alcohol and Drug Foundation chief Dr Erin Lalor said the change would encourage people to seek help.

“We know 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,” Lalor said.

The proposed laws would also increase the maximum sentence for trafficking dangerous drugs from 25 years to life imprisonment.

The parliamentary Legal Affairs and Safety Committee will examine the bill.

-AAP