The policy was launched at Health works in Footscray on Monday July 17th. At the launch, Colleen Hartland, the lead candidate for the Western Metropolitan Upper House Region said "All drugs - legal or illegal - have potential for harm. Our drugs policy aims to minimize that harm, save lives and effectively deal with the problems associated with drug use."

Tobacco and alcohol are the drugs that cause greatest harm and the most number of deaths. The Greens Victorian policy focuses on ways to reduce their consumption and discourage their use. Illicit drug use also costs us dearly. The Greens approach is to save lives and improve the health of illicit drug users.

"Current approaches to drug problems are not working," said Colleen Hartland. "So, it's time to step back from the emotional debate and establish programs that will be effective in tackling the problems associated with legal and illegal drugs. We really do need to do act now to reduce the deaths, disease, crime and corruption resulting from drug use."

There's a link to the Greens Victorian drugs policy on our policy page.