The government of the Australian Capital Territory will decriminalize the possession of small quantities of illegal narcotics such as heroin, cocaine, MDMA, and methamphetamine, becoming the first jurisdiction in the nation to do so.

Upon introducing the amendments on Thursday, Rachel Stephen-Smith, the ACT health minister, stated that it was evident that the present laws were ineffective.

Under the new regulations, anyone caught with some drugs below the threshold would be punished but not charged with a crime.

"We know from international research and evidence that criminalizing drug users does not reduce drug use and that treating drug addiction as a health issue improves outcomes for the entire community," she said.

The ACT decriminalized cannabis in 2020, with Stephen-Smith claiming that the government's proactive attitude to eliminating the harm caused by illicit narcotics led Australia.

However, Jeremy Hanson, the deputy leader of the Liberals, the territory's opposition party, stated that the measures would "make society more dangerous," reflecting the sentiments of senior police.

The Australian federal police commissioner, Reece Kershaw, whose officers are responsible for policing the territory, stated in an October 2016 Senate estimates hearing that the amendments might result in the ACT becoming a hotspot for "narco-tourism."

"There's also the driving aspect, the community safety aspect, and the suffering it causes," added Kershaw.

"It implies that organized crime will target this population because they can move their merchandise with relative ease.

"This only makes it harder for us to combat the rise of cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin use." They are not drugs of abuse."

The decriminalization bill was submitted by Michael Pettersson, a Labor party's backbench member who is part of the Labor-Greens coalition administration. Additionally, Pettersson introduced cannabis decriminalization legislation. It is anticipated that the broader decriminalization bill will pass the legislature, but it is uncertain when it will become law.

Under the revisions, ten chemicals will be covered, and the permissible levels of each substance will vary. Some individuals in possession of drugs may have their penalties waived, or they will be able to attend a session on drug harm reduction, peer support, or a drug treatment service instead of paying the fee.

The bill was the subject of an examination by the legislature, which produced 18 recommendations. Thursday, the administration responded to the investigation by approving eight suggestions, agreeing with eight others, and noting one.

In its response, the government stated that it would also reduce the maximum prison sentence for possessing all illegal narcotics and examine the adjustments three years after their implementation.

In addition, it would specify the pharmaceuticals covered by the reform in regulation rather than in statute so that "it can be amended more easily in the future to reflect changing trends."