Harm reduction actually is already government policy (Commonwealth and state) in regard to tobacco and alcohol. In fact, it has been government policy for decades. You can only consume tobacco and alcohol if you are 18 years old over, you cannot consume alcohol in public places, you cannot drive under the influence of alcohol, you can be fined if you are caught procuring alcohol or tobacco for under 18 year olds and you are not allowed to smoke in a range of public areas - and rules in that regard are becoming tougher. The philosophy on those drugs is reduce harm rather than outlawing them.

The upshot of this harm reduction policy is that alcohol and tobacco consumption have declined massively since the decades after WWII. Obviously not all these restrictions work in all circumstances. There is still under-age and public drinking. Nonetheless, harm reduction here is having an overall positive effect.

On the other hand, zero tolerance appears not to be having quite the intended effects. Crystal meth, ecstasy et al appear to be rising in terms of usage. I wouldn't advocate the legalising of such substances. Legal gambling, for instance, means the state governments have a vested interest in gambling addiction in order for them to collect revenue. However, creative solutions need to be considered as do pragmatic approaches rather than knee-jerk zero tolerance.

This is the only way to go with people that use hard drugs. Let's face it, we can't just keep these people in jail because when they get out over 90% go strait back to heroin with in a month, and jump back into that way of life which cost the public at large MUCH more then a harm reduction program that gives heroin to them so they don't have to hit you over the head and take your money to get a fix. Now would you rather have a hole in YOUR head and have your money taken or see a junkie with a hole in there arm... WAKE UP

I agree with drjohn, well we must see something different. IN my neighborhood I am confronted regularly in the streets with littered drug-using paraphernalia. It just won't go away. I have also taken and still sometimes do, at different times, cocaine, ice or heroin. I am a human being. I was raised in homes similar to most people--by outside appearances anyway. I once had similar aspirations in life to lots of other folks. My family are not criminals, my father is a rich Adelaide businessman. I am more likely to be harmed by something else than an illegal drug itself, such as violence, motor accident, adulteration of the drug, depression.

Australian drug policy is covertly influenced by the US. The United Nations International Narcotics Control Board ( INCB ), is dominated by america and through covert blackmail attached to foreign aid they drive aggressive drug prohibition laws in Asia and latin america.

It would seem that the prohibition of drugs causes the greater share of the negative effects they have.

When I was a university student I was a big fan of the 90's rave scene and all that it offered. I had the time of my life in a safe environment where the emphasis was really on keeping safe.

I now hold down a successful and responsible career, I have travelled the world and live a totally normal, healthy life.

Clubbing diddn't ruin my life in any way shape or form. I dred to think where I would be now if I had been one of the poor unlucky people who were arrested during that time in my life. I can assure you a criminal record ruins a young life more than the odd rave does.

The last line of the article says it all -
We’ve tried it their way. Their way doesn’t work. It’s time to try something different.
Addiction to nicotine and alcohol are treated as health issues, why the difference with 'illicit' drugs? The pain and suffering, the crime associated with this is exacerbated by the current attitudes and policies.