The term Harm Minimisation is used widely and is associated with drug related strategies. More recently, Governments in Australia have used the term in relation to drug issues and the policy adopted. .
Harm minimisation accepts that, despite our best efforts, some young people will choose to use drugs, even some illicit drugs. Harm minimisation does not necessarily mean approval of drug use or support for legislation, and should not be equated with the legalisation of drugs. It is an approach that aims to reduce the adverse health, social and economic consequences of alcohol and other drugs by minimising or limiting the harms and hazards of drug use for both the community and the individual without necessarily eliminating use.
Zero Tolerance.
Zero Tolerance is a term generally associated with strict monitoring. It is the policy of applying laws or penalties to even minor infringements of a code in order to reinforce its overall importance. When used with wider drug use issues there is a tendency to lead to increased victimisation of drug users. It does not support the consideration of drug use as a health issue rather than a legal issue. .
It means that if you are caught using drugs you are immediately punished and the police will not tolerate it. Using expressions like zero tolerance only makes the debates about responses to drug problems more confusing. The Australian Drug Foundation believes that it would be in the public interest if this term were avoided in relation to drug strategy.
Part B.
a) .
Harm Minimisation.
The implementation of hazardous waste bins in public toilets and parks acknowledged that danger to the wider community from discarded needles in areas such as public parks. This acknowledged that harm could be caused to children playing in these areas and that action was needed to at least minimise the possibility of harm to such persons. It also exemplified how drug use impacts the wider community and not just the drug user.
