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Drug Law Reform Is Desperately Needed, Yet Berejiklian Refuses to See Reason
When we discuss drug use in society, let us first remember that most illicit drug use is not problematic and secondly, that if someone we know or love does experience problems, we would want the best help, support and treatment available for them and their family. Its time all our politicians realised, as many voting citizens in the USA have…
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Drugs in body no reason to strip-search: police watchdog
A suspicion that someone is concealing drugs in their body cavities is not enough to justify a strip search, the state’s police watchdog has said in its final report on the invasive practice. The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission said the reason used by some officers during a recent inquiry had no “logical basis” as a strip search wouldn’t enable police…
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As a police commander, I used to ask myself: was drug use really a matter of crime?
Anything that reduces the antagonism between would-be offenders and the cops is worthwhile. The latter may well then be seen as a catalyst for getting help, therefore making it a far safer situation for all. Allowing police to focus on diversion instead of arresting and charging is going to make the job of police far safer than what it is…
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We will save lives in regional Australia by treating drug use as a health issue, not a criminal one
When we treat drug use as a health and social issue – and this government proposal is an initial step in that direction – police will have greater resources to be tough on large-scale drug trafficking and violent crime. The proposal by the NSW government is a step in the right direction. […]
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Ice commissioner warns law and order debate is holding back reform
The commissioner who led the state’s ice inquiry has warned an outdated law and order war on drugs threatens to derail critical reform and leave NSW lagging behind the rest of Australia. Dan Howard, SC, said he was concerned that a failure to grasp the concept of decriminalisation could squander the chance for reform as Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s cabinet remains split…
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Two-thirds of Australians support pill testing at festivals: Survey
Dr Hester Wilson, Chair of the RACGP Addiction Medicine Specific Interests network, told newsGP she is not surprised by the finding that so many Australians support pill testing. ‘Because it makes sense,’ she said. ‘It’s sensible and we know that pill testing actually assists people to make safer choices.’ Dr Wilson says pill testing plays an important role in harm minimisation. […]
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HRA letter to Federal Health Minister re. Senate Estimates
HRA letter to Federal Health Minister re Senate Estimates – 14 Nov 2020Download […]
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HRA transcript extract of Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee hearing
Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee Hearings 26 Oct 2020Download […]
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Pill testing support continues to rise but it remains illegal in most of Australia
The researchers call for more discussion surrounding further trials to gather evidence for the strategy’s effectiveness in harm reduction. Without pill testing trials being considered in most states apart from the ACT, let alone implemented, the researchers suggest it will remain a chicken and egg problem until then. “The objection of the states to pill testing is surprising, since the…
