Like, most people I almost despair the impact of illegal drugs in our wider community.
Even with the work of our police, courts and border security it’s a wicked problem that has no permanent solution. It was Einstein who said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Despite our best efforts nothing much has changed, so instead perhaps our approach needs to change.
I recently attended a community consultation in Burnie on the latest draft of the Tasmanian Drug Strategy. The new five-year framework is being developed by the Department of Health, to be released by the end of the year and will shape a whole-of-government and community approach on the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
In almost every part of Tasmanian society, there will be people struggling with their usage of alcohol and other drugs. As a civilised and benevolent society, we must do everything we can to help rather than hinder opportunities for individuals to seek support.
As such, I see enormous possibilities to make a positive impact on these people’s lives and those of their family and friends, and the communities in which they live. Without real help some people do face impossible challenges with both alcohol and other drugs. Unfortunately, the effects of these challenges ripple out into the community, and we see people in conflict, in hospital and, in some cases arrested, prosecuted and incarcerated.
We must acknowledge and understand that many of these outcomes are preventable; we need more grass roots input from the bottom-up, and we know we can do better when it comes to creating an environment where our community is kept safe and individuals are encouraged to thrive.
The strategy’s focus on improving the health and wellbeing of Tasmanians in response to illicit drug use is spot on. An effective approach must address the structural and systemic issues that lead to people facing addiction challenges.
Especially when it comes to moderating alcohol and other drug use and help them overcome what has buried so many people deep within the criminal justice system. Criminalisation of minor possession of illicit drugs can and often does destroy any hope for the individual, their families, friends and wider community.
I have heard stories of Tasmanians whose prospects have been thwarted due to a criminal record from a minor drug conviction. There is someone I am thinking of right now who is unable to even apply for a job because of a small indiscretion 15 years ago – a blunder that has stuffed up their life. This is heartbreaking.
How can a person begin to rebuild themselves without the hope of gaining employment or the opportunity to contribute to their community in some meaningful way?
What are the wider implications for this person’s family who rely on them – both as a bread winner and role model?
If we’re looking at the criminal justice system, its perfect outcome is a person who has paid the price and been fully rehabilitated back into society. If you or I had made a silly or immature mistake, I’d like to think that our community would want us back and actively contributing after we had made it right in the eyes of the law.
In February 2023, the EMRS polling of the Tasmanian public showed that 69 per cent of Tasmanians believe that the possession of cannabis for personal use should not be a criminal offence.
Criminal sanctions for drug use unfortunately undermine an effective health response by worsening existing illnesses and marginalisation, and by preventing people from seeking help. It also drives and embeds intergenerational trauma and disadvantage. Dealing with these minor infractions also clog up the courts which are already struggling, managing their current caseload.
When it comes to illicit drugs, shifting to a greater health and well-being response does have the support of the Tasmanian people. International evidence demonstrates that a public health approach and decriminalisation of minor personal possession and use reduces the prevalence of drug use, disorders and death. At present, more than 30 jurisdictions around the world have some form of moderated decriminalisation.
The draft strategy should include holistic preventive approaches with a pre-emptive front-end focus and remove criminal penalties for minor cases. That’s not to say that serious criminal activity connected with drug use should go unpunished, however it needs a more structured approach where people are helped and not vilified.
The strategy also needs to consider the low rates of diversion through remedial programs such as the Illicit Drug Diversion Initiative, Court Mandated Diversion programs and incarceration; there definitely needs to be a rethink and reassessment of the strategies and resources available.
Within this, there’s also a role for education where the highly respected Drug Education Network should have its programs extended into every school. It’s a government funded, effective and trusted secular organisation that has been proven to make a difference for young people.
Making these types of changes will help to keep our communities safer and must be carefully considered. We have fantastic human resources in our community organisations; these organisations across the north-west of Tasmania, alongside our government-run services, are providing world class, evidence-based treatment and support for many people in our community.
We hear real stories of people who have successfully turned their lives around. There is an opportunity to strengthen this work to support the vision of the draft strategy, which is a state that is inclusive and safe for all people without stigma and discrimination, and where people can make informed health decisions when it comes to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. There is real hope for people out there who are struggling to turn their lives around.
People need to know that we (Tasmanians) are listening, we care and that we will continue to work to make the changes needed for a better Tasmania.
Mike Gaffney MLC is the independent Member for the NW-based division of Mersey. He was first elected in 2009, after a long career in education and local government.
