Portugal Decriminalised Drugs in 2001 - Should Australia do the same?
Our police and politicians say we cannot "arrest our way" out of Australia's drug problem. Then why not decriminalise personal drug use so people can get help if and when they need it?
On the 26th June Drug Policy Australia with 15 Supporting AOD organisations held the inaugural Melbourne Town Hall forum to celebrate 'Support. Don't Punish' day - a global initiative calling for drug policies that prioritise public health and the human rights.
The forum featured health professionals, politicians, journalists and community leaders, including Tony Trimingham OAM, CEO of Family Drug Support, Sam Biondo, Head of VAADA and Dr Stefan Gruenert, CEO of Odyssey House Victoria as well drug policy opinion leaders like state MP Fiona Patten who will talk about the recently released Victorian Drug Inquiry and Michael Short, Chief Editorial Writer for The Age.
The "Support. Don't Punish" Global Day of Action is an opportunity to change the narrative - rather than punishing people who use drugs, let's support them.
This forum brought together voices and experiences from the Alcohol and Other Drug sector working at the coalface in an awareness campaign for more humane and evidence-based drug policies.
If you'd like to involved in the 2019 Support Don't Punish activities volunteer to get involved and volunteer.