FDS Insight Magazine Nov - Dec 2022

11 The Australian Capital Territory is inherently a very progressive jurisdiction. People who think that drug law reform or any type of progress on social issues will naturally flow through to other jurisdictions are sadly mistaken. What does cause change is political will and activism within communities. And making political leaders in each community take action. I’ve never met a politician from another jurisdiction that has seen something happen in the ACT or any other jurisdiction and felt guilted into doing something. So, if people would like to see the reforms that have been implemented in the ACT implemented in their jurisdictions, they’re going to need to get active towards their politicians or maybe get new politicians that share those values, because, unfortunately, people don’t follow the lead of the ACT. What I’d also like to add to your question as to how did I do this, all of these reforms have only been possible because of the support of my colleagues and their cautious but ultimately supportive approach to these issues. They have been very supportive of my raising these issues, and they’ve also been very constructive in ensuring this positive result. So, politics is a team sport. The strength of our scars