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‘Scare tactics’: Criminal defence lawyer slams moral panic over ACT drug decriminalisation
A recent push to decriminalise cocaine, heroin and ice in the ACT has sparked a reaction as old as time itself from the police. […]
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A haven for ‘drug tourism’ or beacon of hope? The rhetoric around decriminalisation in the ACT
Ahead of new laws coming in October, advocates answer police fears about more drug-driving deaths and bikie violence with a call to work together […]
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NSW Premier Says No to Drug Decriminalisation, as the ACT Embarks on Bold Health Approach
Finally, this week, drug decriminalisation came to Australian shores. Laws passed by a Labor Greens government in the ACT came into effect on Monday. Yet, on that very same day, NSW Labor premier Chris Minns decided to rain down on Canberra’s parade, telling the Murdoch press that his government isn’t contemplating drug decriminalisation at present, but if he is voted…
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“I Hope It’s Overturned”: Former Magistrate Heilpern on Revoking of Drug Driving Mistake Defence
The drug driving regime in this state, as in the rest of the country, has always been controversial, as the testing model used, which ultimately sees people charged and lose their driver licence, doesn’t test for impairment levels, like drink driving, but rather tests for the mere presence of a drug. […]
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NSW court ruling will make it almost impossible to contest drug-driving charges, legal experts claim
David Heilpern, a former magistrate who retired in 2020 in large part because of his concerns NSW’s drug-driving laws were too punitive, described the judge’s decision as “extraordinary” and precedent-setting. […]
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Opioid overdose countering drug naloxone to become standard issue for WA police officers
The force will become the first in the southern hemisphere to start carrying naloxone, which can restore normal breathing within minutes of its use. […]
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Greens hope to legalise cannabis nationwide with new bill, for industry expected to generate $28 billion
The decriminalisation of cannabis nationwide is one step closer as Greens senator David Shoebridge introduced a bill on Thursday which would allow adults to grow up to six plants at home. […]
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Inside the plan to legalise cannabis in Australia and how it could generate billions in taxes for the government
Thousands of Australians support legalising cannabis, backing in the Greens’ plan that could generate an additional $28billion in revenue over nine years. […]
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Labor under pressure for drug reform after Sydney’s spate of shootings
President of Harm Reduction Australia and Pill Testing Australia Gino Vumbaca said the organisation had offered to run free pill testing trials, both during last month’s pride month or at a future music festival, which were not responded to favourably. […]
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Why medical cannabis patients should be allowed to drive
An effective framework for allowing patients who use medical cannabis to drive is one that prioritises road safety while also recognising the importance of driving for freedom of movement and quality of life, write Dr Thomas Arkell and Associate Professor Vicki Kotsirilos AM. […]
