Â鶹Éçmadou

The ACT Government has contracted the Drug Policy Modelling Program (DPMP) at the Social Policy Research Centre, Â鶹Éçmadou, to conduct an evaluation of the operation of the Drugs of Dependence (Personal Use) Amendment Act 2022 (the Amendment Act).

DPMP are using a co-design approach to the evaluation and are leading a collaborative and multidisciplinary project team that includes representatives from the Australia National University (ANU) and the Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation & Advocacy (CAHMA).

Changes to the ACT Drugs of Dependence Act came into effect on 28 October 2023 and reduced maximum penalties for drug possession for personal use. Under the changes, people found by police in possession of small amounts of some drugs for personal use can attend an assessment and harm reduction session with Canberra Health Services (CHS) or pay a $100 fine.

The aims of the drug law reform under the Amendment Act are to divert people who use drugs away from the criminal justice system and encourage them to access health services.

The evaluation includes a process and outcome evaluation utilising a mixed-methods approach that includes quantitative analysis of routinely collected administrative data to assess program reach and implementation (process evaluation), plus program outcomes, alongside qualitative data collected through an array of stakeholder interviews and focus groups, inclusive of people who use drugs.