The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) welcomes and supports the motion introduced by ACT Shadow Attorney-General Jeremy Hanson MLA, calling for the repeal of the ACT Government’s hard drug decriminalisation laws.
AFPA President Alex Caruana said the statistics since the laws came into effect in October 2023 show a clear and concerning trends in increase in drug use, overdoses, and drug-related harm across the Territory.
“Frontline officers are seeing firsthand the devastating effects of these laws. Drug use in public places has become more visible, overdoses are increasing, and police resources are being stretched as drug-driving offences and community disorder rise.
“The promise that decriminalisation would reduce harm, free up police resources, and disrupt drug dealers has simply not materialised. The data shows the opposite. Drug use is up, supply offences are down, and Canberrans are less safe as a result,” Mr Caruana said.
Recent findings from national monitoring programs and ACT-specific data reveal:
- Cocaine use up by approximately 70% since decriminalisation;
- Heroin use up 30% and methamphetamine use up 40%;
- 16 suspected overdose deaths so far in 2025;
- Over 1,100 drug-related emergency presentations in 2024–25; and
- Drug-driving charges up more than 20% since 2022–23.
Mr Caruana said the AFPA supports evidence-based policies that reduce harm, but the ACT’s approach has had the opposite effect.
“We support rehabilitation and treatment, but you cannot reduce harm by normalising or excusing the possession and use of highly addictive and dangerous substances. The community is paying the price for a failed experiment.
“We urge the ACT Government to listen to the evidence, listen to police, and repeal these laws before more Canberrans are hurt,” Mr Caruana said.
The AFPA commends Mr Hanson for his motion and stands ready to work with all sides of politics to develop a more balanced, effective, and compassionate approach to addressing drug harm in the ACT — one that prioritises community safety, treatment, and enforcement equally.
Media Contact: AFPA Media and Government Relations Manager Troy Roberts – (02) 6285 1677 – troy.r@afpa.org.au
The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) welcomes and supports the motion introduced by ACT Shadow Attorney-General Jeremy Hanson MLA, calling for the repeal of the ACT Government’s hard drug decriminalisation laws.
AFPA President Alex Caruana said the statistics since the laws came into effect in October 2023 show a clear and concerning trends in increase in drug use, overdoses, and drug-related harm across the Territory.
“Frontline officers are seeing firsthand the devastating effects of these laws. Drug use in public places has become more visible, overdoses are increasing, and police resources are being stretched as drug-driving offences and community disorder rise.
“The promise that decriminalisation would reduce harm, free up police resources, and disrupt drug dealers has simply not materialised. The data shows the opposite. Drug use is up, supply offences are down, and Canberrans are less safe as a result,” Mr Caruana said.
Recent findings from national monitoring programs and ACT-specific data reveal:
- Cocaine use up by approximately 70% since decriminalisation;
- Heroin use up 30% and methamphetamine use up 40%;
- 16 suspected overdose deaths so far in 2025;
- Over 1,100 drug-related emergency presentations in 2024–25; and
- Drug-driving charges up more than 20% since 2022–23.
Mr Caruana said the AFPA supports evidence-based policies that reduce harm, but the ACT’s approach has had the opposite effect.
“We support rehabilitation and treatment, but you cannot reduce harm by normalising or excusing the possession and use of highly addictive and dangerous substances. The community is paying the price for a failed experiment.
“We urge the ACT Government to listen to the evidence, listen to police, and repeal these laws before more Canberrans are hurt,” Mr Caruana said.
The AFPA commends Mr Hanson for his motion and stands ready to work with all sides of politics to develop a more balanced, effective, and compassionate approach to addressing drug harm in the ACT — one that prioritises community safety, treatment, and enforcement equally.
Media Contact: AFPA Media and Government Relations Manager Troy Roberts – (02) 6285 1677 – troy.r@afpa.org.au
