Petition request

That the House of Representatives repeal and replace the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 with health-focused harm minimisation legislation as recommended by the 2011 Law Commission review report.

Petition reason

Police and Customs regularly report recovering kilograms of methamphetamine while wastewater testing showed that 1.4 tonnes were consumed across all test sites in 2024. I believe it has been clear for decades that the punitive prohibition of psychoactive substances has failed to restrict access to illicit drugs, and has instead greatly increased substance use. I also think it has created a powerful global black market with resources that dwarf the authorities attempting to control it.

Petition progress

  • Open for signatures
  • Closed for signatures
  • Select Committee
  • Reported
  • Referred to Minister
Number of signatures: 152
Date presented: 01 Apr 2026
Considered by: Petitions
SC Report(s): 22 Sep 2026 (Final)
Presenting member: Kahurangi Carter
Closing date: 10 Oct 2025