Australia’s most ‘boring city’ decriminalises drugs

Canberra might cop it a lot for being one of the most boring cities in Australia but it’s always been pretty progressive when it comes to social issues. 

It’s the only place in Australia where the personal use of cannabis is legal. We recently shared with you here on The Briefing that it was hosting a trial of the first fixed pill testing site, and now the ACT government has passed legislation decriminalising small amounts of illicit drugs like cocaine, heroin and speed. 

We speak to ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith who explains that under the new law - which comes into effect in a year, people found with amounts of certain drugs considered to be "personal possession", so that’s smaller than trafficable quantities, would be subject to a civil fine of $100, rather than criminal charges, and be referred for counselling.

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