Policy should aim to engage with and support drug users, not isolate and punish them. Credit:iStock This is not to suggest "going soft" on drugs but, rather, "getting smarter" about drugs. The central plank of our illicit drugs policy is "harm minimisation". We have failed miserably in our attempts to achieve this aim and, indeed, many aspects of current policy aggravate harms rather than reduce them. So what sensibly can be done or considered? To improve its effectiveness, Australia's illicit drug policy must be reframed as primarily a social, health and economic issue.

Funding must be increased for treatment options for people with drug use and addiction problems to a level sufficient to create the capacity, quality, and flexibility of treatment options to meet realistic demand. Credit:Jason South Policing must play a strong, targeted support role aimed at the organised criminal marketplace where the benefits of police intervention are highest and the risks and dangers, particularly to the most vulnerable in our society, are lowest. Strategies must be developed to better understand the health and well-being dangers to social users and addicts, which arise from them purchasing (often tainted or corrupted) drugs from an unregulated black market and then being treated as criminals for doing so. New approaches must be trialled gradually and incrementally, with care taken to ensure that the community understands the research and the reasons and benefits underpinning the changes and supports the journey as it unfolds. Incremental steps could include:

Language surrounding our drug policy should be changed ... 'tough on drugs' could be replaced by 'smart about drugs'. Actively promote awareness and understanding of current decriminalisation arrangements in place in Australian jurisdictions – and the benefits being achieved. Adopting decriminalisation as a firm national strategy for personal and recreational use of illicit drugs, nationwide. Introducing a policy that clearly distinguishes between anti-social behaviour and the drug use that may have contributed to it. Punish the criminal behaviour – treat the drug use. Implementing a policy that aims to engage with and support drug users, not isolate and punish them.

Create an environment within which people are likely to talk to each other – to learn and to teach – and to change behaviours. As a trial, commence off-site drug testing (of pills etc) at festivals and similar public gatherings with a view to encouraging users to – become more aware of the quality and toxicity of the drug they are planning to use, and the dangers the drugs may pose.

Tell the truth about any adverse reactions that may result from such use and to report accurately any health problems to authorities.

Minimise or reduce potential harms and create an environment to change behaviours. Funding must be increased for treatment options for people with drug use and addiction problems to a level sufficient to create the capacity, quality, and flexibility of treatment options to meet realistic demand. Initiatives to reduce the size and profitability of the black market, with the intent of gradually moving drug supply from the black market to the white market, must be introduced.

Strategies aimed at increasing employment for addicts and released prisoners should be implemented. The certainty and cycle of funding for NGO treatment facilities must be increased. A trial of "controlled drug consumption rooms" could assist in containing, managing and reducing episodes of drug abuse and the consequent likely harms. Steps could be taken to improve the accuracy and relevance of drug testing of vehicle drivers. Advertising relating to regulated supply should be regulated and approved suppliers and cultivators should be governed.

Consider the implementation of pilot studies in "at risk" remote and low socio-economic urban communities to assess causes, problems, social healing options, as well as pathways towards better health and well-being. Identify and engage local champions to drive and encourage the pilot study programs with a view to creating the pilot areas as centres of excellence. Increase capacity and use of interventions for young people and link to meaningful workforce strategies. Any review and reform process must include a strong strategy to engage with the public and it is recognised that community leadership and/or support will be crucial to the achievement of meaningful improvement in drug policy outcomes. To best facilitate this process, it is suggested that language surrounding our drug policy be changed and the reference to "tough on drugs" replaced by "smart about drugs" or similar.

Mick Palmer is a former commissioner of the Australian Federal Police.