This guide is developed specifically for writing a submission to the Inquiry into the Drugs of Dependence (Personal Use) Amendment Bill 2021 presented to the ACT Assembly in February 2021. Closing date for submissions is 4 June 2021
Brief Overview
The Inquiry has grown out of the Private Member’s Bill which was presented by Michael Pettersson, Labor Party MLA in February 2021.
This Bill amends the Drugs of Dependence Act 1989, Sections 169 & 171. The name of the Act is the Drugs of Dependence (Personal use) Amendment Act 2021. If enacted, it will commence on 1 February 2022.
A Committee was formed to consider Michael Pettersson’s Bill, but it was decided this would also present an opportunity for a critical overview of the alcohol and other drugs treatment and harm reduction programs and policies available in the ACT. Therefore there are two parts to this ACT Assembly Inquiry.
This submission guide is to help families and friends who have had or are presently experiencing drug use within their family or amongst their friends write a submission to the committee exploring the:
- Decriminalisation Bill – this is draft legislation that proposes partial decriminalisation of offences for possession of set amounts of certain drugs. It covers possession of drugs only. This present bill applies the old expiation notice system or SCONs (Simple Cannabis Offence Notices) to people apprehended with certain drugs other than cannabis. This notice, now called the Simple Drug Offence Notice (SDON), also applies to people under the age of 18 in possession of cannabis. (Adults can now possess and grow certain quantities of cannabis as well as use in their own home). This Bill is a draft only and will likely change based on review of submissions made to the Inquiry and witness statements made at the public hearing. See ATTACHMENT 3.
- Review of alcohol and other drug treatment and harm reduction policy and programs.
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