Your Community Health advocates for a health-centered, evidence-based approach to drug policy reform. The current punitive responses to drug use are ineffective and counterproductive, failing to deter substance use or reduce harm.
Criminalising drug use perpetuates stigma, discourages individuals from seeking help, and undermines the development of effective AOD policies. This approach not only generates further harm but also imposes a significant financial burden The criminalisation of drug use disproportionately affects those already experiencing health and wellbeing inequities, while neglecting to address the root causes or provide meaningful support to those who need it. Our commitment to health equity and human rights drives our support for drug policy reform that prioritises harm reduction, evidence-based treatment, and the overall wellbeing of individuals and communities.
Punitive drug policies are ineffective. The criminalisation of drug use pushes people to use substances in unsafe environments, discourages them from seeking help and heightens the risk of overdose. These policies have also contributed to the global spread of HIV and hepatitis and amplified the stigma surrounding drug use. Furthermore, they have increased incarceration rates, which worsen health outcomes by limiting access to healthcare and creating additional challenges such as homelessness, unemployment, and declining mental health.
Decriminalisation is particularly crucial for First Nations communities, who experience disproportionate impacts from punitive alcohol and other drug (AOD) policies and systemic biases within the justice system, including racial profiling, over-policing, and harsher sentencing practices. Criminalisation of drug use also disproportionately affects those facing systemic health and social disparities, such as LGBTIQA+ individuals and individuals living with mental health challenges, thereby perpetuating inequity.
Evidence from countries such as Portugal and Uruguay show that decriminalisation, paired with investments in harm reduction and treatment services, effectively reduce drug-related harms without increasing drug use. Portugal’s drug reform led to significant public health improvements, including a drop in HIV infections related to injecting drug use, improvements in access to treatment and reductions in drug-related deaths. Despite these international successes, Australia continues to allocate the majority of its drug policy budget to law enforcement rather than healthcare responses. As a result, the harms associated with drug use are often exacerbated by a punitive system that disproportionately impacts people already facing health inequities.
Our Recommendations
Your Community Health calls for the following reforms:
- Decriminalise drug possession for personal use and shift the focus from punishment to health-based approaches. This will enable individuals seeking support to access treatment without fear of legal consequences. In turn, it will reduce the burden on the criminal justice system while addressing the root causes of substance use, promoting harm reduction and improved health outcomes.
- Increase the focus on harm reduction by expanding life-saving, evidence-based programs such as medically supervised injecting rooms, pharmacotherapy, and pill testing. These programs ensure people can access the care they need without facing barriers or stigma, promoting safer, healthier outcomes.
- Increase investment in AOD treatment and support services by reallocating funding from supply reduction efforts to harm reduction and treatment programs. This improves timely, accessible care, including expanded withdrawal support, counselling-based interventions, and rehabilitation services, addressing the already high demand while fostering more comprehensive and responsive treatment options.
- Enhance peer-led public education to raise awareness of harm reduction strategies, reduce stigma, and promote safe, informed choices around drug use.
- A long-term funded strategy to address stigma against people who use drugs to promote harm reduction and non-judgmental care.
- Strengthen community-based health responses. Community health organisations, including Your Community Health, should lead efforts to address the health needs of people who use drugs. Collaborative partnerships with local health services and peer-led organisations are essential to delivering effective, equitable care.
At Your Community Health, we are committed to advocating for drug policy reform grounded in health equity, human rights and harm reduction. The evidence is clear, punitive responses to drug use do not work. A health-based approach will save lives, improve health outcomes, and ensure that those who use drugs are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. We call on the government to implement reforms that prioritise health and wellbeing and reduce harm over criminalisation. By treating substance use as a health issue, we can improve support pathways and build healthier communities.