The never ending debate on decriminalising drugs has gained two key supporters. Former New South Wales Premier Bob Carr, now this country's foreign minister, and the former director of public prosecutions, Nicholas Cowdery have both thrown their weight behind the suggestion of " legalising, legislating, controlling - and taxing " - the illicit drug industry.
The suggestion has been summarily rejected by Prime Minister Julia Gillard and there seems little prospect of it being seriously examined as a Federal initiative. Who could blame a prime minister who is hanging over a political precipice by her fingernails from jumping into a debate on what would surely be a hugely contentious issue for all sections of the public.
About the only thing that most people would agree is that the war on drugs has failed. Despite billions of dollars spent on law enforcement, filling the prisons with drug offenders - drugs are still freely available on our streets - and that is because their is a willing market for their purchase.
The other contradiction is the mish mash of control features and outcomes between the Federal and state spheres, resulting in a varied outcome when an offender is stopped by the police or put before a court. There is no consistency. In some jurisdictions the police will issue a caution for Marijuana possession, while in others the possession of a small quantity will see the offender spend a night in the cells. An appearance before a magistrate results in a similar unpredictable outcome.
One rather interesting fact has emerged from this debate. It seems that ten years ago Portugal bit the bullet and did precisely what Carr and Cowdery are suggesting. Drugs in that country are legal - and heavily taxed, much the same as tobacco and alcohol.
What we need is an unbiased report on how that legislative change turned out. Ten years is a fair period for the issue to have settled down and we could learn if it is a practical idea - and very importantly - what are the down sides of making such a change.
It seems that Attorney General Nicola Roxon has already dismissed the scheme operating in Portugal because there is " insufficient evidence " to try it here. That is plainly rubbish - because so far nothing has been put before the Australian public to allow them to make a decision.
Both sides of politics - both state and Federal - will treat this subject with great caution. It could either be an election winner - or it could see those giving it support suffer a huge backlash. It would be ideal if a trusted person with widespread respect could be tasked to examine the issue in Portugal - and report back directly to the Australian people.
Once all the facts are on the table, such a basic change might even need a referendum to become law !
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