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Fresh calls to decriminalise drugs in Tassie
Words: Rob Inglis
Debate over decriminalising recreational drugs has reignited in Tasmania, ahead of similar laws coming into effect in the ACT.Advocates want prison time replaced with fines and counselling for minor offenders.
Tasmania's Greens party says addicts are more likely to seek treatment if laws change. 
They're currently draftinga bill to make it a reality.
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ROSALIE WOODRUFFTasmanian Greens justice and health spokesperson
Taking a health focus [to drug use] means people using illicit drugs are more likely to come to services and ask for the support and treatment they might need to recover from dependence.
It comes as the ACT prepares to scrap prison terms for people caught with small quantities of drugs including heroin, cocaine and meth. 
Instead of jail, people caught will face fines and undergo counselling.
On average more than 1000 Tasmanians front court each year for drugs related charges.
Most of those cases are for possessing small quantities of narcotics.
The Greens' proposal faces an uphill battle.It'll need support from Labor, independent MP Kristie Johnston and a government MP to pass through Tassie's lower house.
And while Tasmania’s state government supports access to medicinal cannabis, they’re ruling out  softening laws for other recreational drugs.
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ELISE ARCHERTasmania Attorney-General
Drugs that are illegal are exactly that for a reason, and that's because they are not safe to use and can destroy lives, as well as helping to line the pockets of criminals.
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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/web-stories/free/the-mercury-hobart/tassie-leaders-debate-drug-decriminalisation