Drugs, Tobacco and Alcohol

Tobacco

There is much else to done regarding the prices of cigarettes.

However, it is well-known that smokers have habits where they typically have a cigarette in the same scenarios each day. Breaks at work, when you get of the tram/train, when you have a beer and so on.

Anything that messes with those patterns is helpful. We propose no smoking on public footpaths, anywhere in Australia. To offset this, there will be dedicated smoking zones, typically in alleys and corners of parks. This will separate smokers from normal activities like walking down the street. Parts of Japan have already done this.

Single Beers

Rich people shouldn’t get cheaper beer.

Buying a single beer in a bottle shop typically costs double the per beer price when bought as a slab. Six-packs are also disproportionately priced. This typically means that those cannot afford a slab are punished price-wise. Or, you could say that bulk-buying of beer is incentivised, and that cannot help reduce levels of drinking.

We will push for laws that force retail beers to be the same price each, regardless of quantity. That will cause single bottle and 6-packs to drop in price dramatically, and slabs to increase in price.

Marijuana

Too easy. Full legalisation, with official dispensaries. All profits will be used for drug rehab and education.

Overdoses

Currently accidental drug overdoses in Australia are higher in number than road deaths. It would appear that major political parties don’t care because they think these people are “addicts”. Which is probably hypocritical, given that drugs/alcohol and stupid behaviour (speeding/texting).

The solution is complex, but needs to involve:

• Doctors
• Education
• Self-esteem in vulnerable people
• Fear of punishment for drug possession

We will advocate for the decriminalisation of all illegal drug possession in personal use quantities. But also, it is time that the medical profession was regulated regarding when certain drugs are prescribed.

Drug and Alcohol Rehab

Choosing rehabilitation is a huge, positive step in the lives of people with substance abuse issues. Yet while we criminalise this health issue, we also don’t do enough to help people who want to get better. Currently half of people seeing rehab cannot access it. We believe that all rehab services should be provided by the government and not have any budgetary restraints. Ultimately society creates people with such problems, so the burden is on society.

Ecstasy

We are considering policy around MDMA / Ecstasy.

What if people could take a drug safety course, perhaps a full day long, and get licensed to use MDMA.

And what if that permitted them to purchase one dose, guaranteed pure, per month. In a sealed, tamper-proof bag.

And what if, when taking it a venue or concert, they must show their license and single dose bag, upon entry.

I think that would help people moderate drug use, lessen harm, and provide the government with taxes.

A limited trial, perhaps in a less populated state, is worth exploring.

This is not anything to do with taxes, and not a statement on the safety of this drug. It is about accepting that some people have a need for such drug use, and understanding that this is a safer option than illegally produced MDMA, safer than binge drinking and Ice, and can teach responsible drug use.