Legalise Cannabis MP David Ettershank said a 10-year high in Victoria’s fatal overdose numbers – including 102 in Melbourne’s west – illustrates the urgent need to move from a punitive to a health-based approach to drug taking.
The 2024 numbers:
- Hobsons Bay six, an increase of one on 2023
- Hume 22, an increase of nine on 2023
- Maribyrnong 20, an increase of three on 2023
- Melton seven, no change
- Moonee Valley nine, an increase of three on 2023
- Wyndham 20, no change
- Brimbank 18, a decrease of nine on 2023
Mr Ettershank said removing stigma around drug use could improve access to treatment and support.
“I call on the state government to increase funding to rehabilitation services, so people can easily access quality treatment and supports close to home,” he said.
Mr Ettershank said a health-based approach recognised that people use drugs for complex reasons, and it should never be seen as a personal failing or sin.
“It is tragic that 584 Victorians died from overdose last year, up by almost 40 on 2023,” he said. “And that includes 104 people in our western suburbs, about a quarter of the state’s overdose deaths.
“When it comes to consuming substances, the emphasis should be on preventing and reducing harm, not punishing individuals.
“We support drug checking and medically supervised injecting rooms. Criminalising drug use has only negative consequences for people and communities. Despite record drug seizures, too many arrests, and a huge spending on law and order, the use of illegal drugs continues in Australia.
“Research consistently finds that criminalising drugs disproportionally hurts people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, CALD communities and First Nations peoples.
Cannabis reform could reduce overdose deaths
“Of course, we support the legalisation of cannabis. Cannabis was not included in the Victorian Overdose Deaths Register as it’s not defined as a toxic substance, but we advocate a health-centered approach to all illicit drug consumption. It’s also worth noting that nobody in Australia has ever died from cannabis over-consumption.
“We don’t want people to be funnelled into the criminal justice system for consuming substances or end up with criminal records that can impact their job and housing prospects for the rest of their lives.
“We want to remove all barriers to people just being able to reach out and get support for problem levels of drug consumption.
“And I recognise that almost three-quarters of the state’s drug overdoses were accidental – the people who died were parents, young people, coworkers and friends to many and will be sorely missed.
“Criminalising drugs has a high cost in terms of dollars and emotional hurt. It’s time to change direction.”
12th of August, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
