Fiona Patten explains proposed drug decriminalisation bill

Reason Party leader Fiona Patten has joined Tom Elliott to discuss drug decriminalisation legislation she will introduce to the Victorian parliament on Wednesday.

Under the proposed laws, Victoria police would issue mandatory referrals to drug rehab or education centres to people who have used or possesed with a drug of dependence

Ms Patten says the aim of the bill is to treat drug use as a health issue.

“Rather than putting people who are using drugs through the criminal process, we’ve got to put them through the health process,” she said on 3AW Drive.

“And look, this happens a lot already; the police have cannabis cautioning, they have different forms of diversion, but it doesn’t happen all the time.

“It’s hit and miss, and it costs a fortune, and it costs a lot of police time.

“So we’re saying listen, lets do it across the board, lets make this equitable, and lets give people the help they need, or the education they need.”

Ms Patten said the private members bill has “some support” from the government.

Press PLAY to hear the full interview below