There is a lot of talk about the decriminalisation of illegal drugs for personal use, and while Integrity Sampling as a company does not have an opinion on the matter, plenty of others do.
In the ACT and Canberra, the discussion has grown louder since the Territory became the first jurisdiction in Australia to decriminalise small amounts of illicit drugs such as heroin, cocaine, ice and MDMA. For some in Canberra, the shift has been life changing. For others, it has been deeply worrying.
As the debate continues, many safety-focused workplaces are asking what this means for their business and what’s the impact on workplace drug testing.
The Case for Decriminalisation
Supporters of the ACT’s approach believe the change provides a more practical and compassionate response to drug use.
As reported on the Region website, Chris Gough, Executive Director of the Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy (CAHMA), is one of them. He has taken methadone tablets for 20 years and says the program helped him stop using heroin and regain stability.
“It took me a decade to stop using heroin after starting the methadone program, but now I’m stable,” Mr Gough says. “I haven’t used heroin in over five years, and it’s allowed me to hold down a job, be a good family member, and just have a stable life again.”
Since the law change in October 2023, people found with small quantities of illicit drugs in Canberra are issued a fine or referred to counselling rather than facing criminal penalties. Supporters say this is the key point.
“The idea behind it is that it’s a health – rather than criminal justice – approach to drug use,” Mr Gough explains. “It’s meant to keep people out of the criminal justice system, because one of the harms of drug use is getting a criminal record. That pushes people to hide their drug use instead of seeking help.”
Advocates also point to international examples. Countries such as Switzerland and England have opened legal consumption rooms and seen major improvements. Switzerland, for instance, has recorded a 64 per cent drop in opioid-related deaths over two decades, along with fewer HIV infections and a decline in drug-related crime.
Supporters argue that ACT Policing was already diverting many low-level drug users into health services, and the new law simply formalises an approach that works.
The Case Against Decriminalisation
However, the move is far from universally supported. Critics argue the early data suggests the policy has not reduced harm and may be encouraging dangerous behaviours.
Canberra Liberals Deputy Leader Jeremy Hanson recently called for the laws to be repealed. He pointed to increases in drug-driving detections, emergency presentations, and non-fatal overdoses. Data shows that the consumption of some illegal drugs is also up in Canberra and the ACT.
Alex Caruana, President of the Australian Federal Police Association, states the situation plainly: “I think decriminalisation is something that hasn’t worked, and the data indicates that very clearly.”
However, others argue that the statistics need more context. Emergency physician and pill-testing advocate Dr David Caldicott told the ABC that ambulance callouts have remained stable. What has increased is people choosing to attend hospital themselves.
“That probably suggests they’re looking for advice, and they’re less scared than they have been,” he says.
To help provide clarity, the ACT Government has asked the University of NSW to conduct a full review. The findings are due in March 2026.
Watch this space!
What This Means for Drug Testing in Canberra
Integrity Sampling doesn’t take a position on whether decriminalisation is “good” or “bad”. But what is clear is this: whether an illegal drug is decriminalised or not, it has no place in the workplace or on the roads.
Safety should always come first. Drugs affect judgement, reaction time, coordination, awareness and decision-making — all critical factors in keeping employees and the public safe.
Whether you live in Canberra, Cronulla, Carlton or Chermside, turning up to work drug-free and driving drug-free is a non-negotiable.
NOTE:
With 11 locations across NSW and a branch in Canberra, Integrity Sampling provides workplace drug and alcohol testing to help organisations remain safe and compliant.
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There is a lot of talk about the decriminalisation of drugs in the ACT. Explore both sides of the debate and find out why drug testing in Canberra remains essential for road and workplace safety.
