The alarming and preventable spate of overdoses caused by a batch of MDMA, known as ecstasy, in one of Melbourne's club districts at the weekend is further evidence, not that any was needed, that Australia's drug policies are an abject failure.

Our lawmakers need to publicly recognise that their "war on drugs" ignores evidence that the most effective policies for minimising the harm caused by misuse of illicit substances include decriminalisation, regulation, education and putting resources into prevention and treatment, rather than trying to apply ridiculous laws.

Rushin' roulette.

We have been saying it for years, and will continue to do so until sense prevails and our politicians have the decency, honesty and courage to tell the community what they readily acknowledge in private: prohibition has failed.

The failure by our politicians to make enlightened changes to the law is costing lives. That is an appalling indictment of people whose primary responsibility is to protect and enhance the wellbeing of the community.