ACT becomes first Australian jurisdiction to decriminalise illicit drugs in small quantities

The Australian Capital Territory has become the first Australian jurisdiction to decriminalise illicit drugs in small quantities.

Instead they will be cautioned, fined or referred to a drug diversion program.

The substances decriminalised include heroin, cocaine and speed.

The ACT health minister, Rachel Stephen-Smith, said focusing on harm-minimisation rather than punishing drug users was the way forward.

The government said they would use the transition period to bolster oversight arrangements and train frontline workers including police.