Progressive Party Illicit Substance Program

The Peoples Progressive Party recognizes that substance use, both licit and illicit, can have profound impacts on the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities. Our approach is grounded in evidence, compassion and pragmatism - aiming to minimize harms, provide care and support to those in need, and strike a rational balance in drug policy.

Principles

• All drug use carries risks that require a proactive, health-based response.

• Harm reduction is key to mitigating negative health, social & economic impacts.

• Universal access to treatment and recovery services is crucial.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples must lead community responses.

• Demand, supply and harm reduction efforts all require greater investment.

• Criminalizing personal drug use is ineffective and often counterproductive.

• Drug policies and programs must be evidence-based and continuously evaluated.

• Honest drug education supports informed public debate and personal choices.

• Legal distinctions between drugs should reflect evidence, not arbitrary categories.

• Alcohol and tobacco use have massive yet preventable societal costs.

Harm Reduction and Treatment

• Guarantee universal access to evidence-based, professionally delivered alcohol and other drug treatment, ensuring culturally safe services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

• Expand coverage of opioid substitution therapy, supervised consumption sites, needle and syringe programs, including in correctional settings.

• Establish a network of alcohol sobering up shelters providing respite and pathways to treatment for those experiencing homelessness and alcohol dependence.

• Increase Medicare rebates for drug and alcohol counselling and rehabilitation.

Decriminalization with Supports

• Remove criminal penalties for personal drug use and possession, replacing them with a civil response emphasizing education, counselling, and treatment while retaining criminal penalties for drug trade.

• Expand pre-arrest diversion, drug courts and rehabilitation as evidence-based alternatives to incarceration for offenders with underlying substance use disorders.

Prevention and Education

• Undertake comprehensive evidence-based education campaigns on effects and risks of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs to support informed choices.

• Set clear public health objectives including minimizing harmful alcohol use and achieving near-zero smoking rates, implementing evidence-based strategies to achieve them.

• Restrict alcohol advertising and ban industry sponsorship of sporting and youth events.

• Prohibit all political donations from alcohol and tobacco companies.

Research and Evaluation

• Establish a substantial funding pool for high-quality research into substance use, policy responses and treatment models, to be allocated based on expert assessment of promise and priority.

• Require rigorous evaluation and continuous improvement of all publicly funded drug policy measures and programs based on outcomes.

Regulation and Enforcement

• Overhaul alcohol taxation to be based on alcohol content rather than price.

• Increase penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

• Implement a staged ban on sales of vaping products and e-cigarettes, with an exemption for medically prescribed vaping supplies dispensed by pharmacists.

• Enhance collaboration between health providers, social services and law enforcement to address localized drug-related issues and refer people to support.

Implementation

By pursuing this agenda, the People's Party aims to reframe our collective approach to drugs, with a focus on saving lives, reducing harm and providing help. We are committed to tackling this complex issue with courage, compassion and evidence - to build a safer, healthier future for all.

Conclusion

The Peoples Party's Comprehensive Education Policy represents a bold vision for a world-class education system that empowers every individual to reach their full potential. By investing in lifelong learning, equity, and global competence, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous Australia. We believe that education is the key to unlocking a brighter future for all, and we are committed to making this vision a reality.

Implementation

By pursuing this agenda, The Peoples Progressive Party aims to reframe our collective approach to drugs, with a focus on saving lives, reducing harm and providing help. We are committed to tackling this complex issue with courage, compassion and evidence - to build a safer, healthier future for all.

Conclusion

The Progressive Party's Comprehensive Education Policy represents a bold vision for a world-class education system that empowers every individual to reach their full potential. By investing in lifelong learning, equity, and global competence, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous Australia. We believe that education is the key to unlocking a brighter future for all, and we are committed to making this vision a reality.

DONATE

The Peoples Progressive Party is committed to empowering Australians with the freedoms they deserve. We believe in the right to self-determination, equality, and protection for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. Our party will fight to ensure that every Australian has the freedom to live authentically, love whom they choose, and access the support and services they need to thrive. We will work tirelessly to dismantle systemic barriers, promote inclusive policies, and create a society where everyone is free to reach their full potential. With The Peoples Progressive Party, Australians can trust that their freedoms will be fiercely defended and upheld.