Harm minimisation is the underlying philosophy of Australia ’s National Illicit Drug Strategy. Harm minimisation comprises three aspects: demand reduction (eg education and prevention strategies) supply reduction (eg customs and the police service) and harm reduction (eg Needle and Syringe Programs).

Harm reduction represents a shift from use-prevention philosophies. It acknowledges that people always have, and always will use drugs of some kind. This strategy also acknowledges that prohibitionist approaches have failed, and in some cases, worsened drug problems.

Harm reduction strategies have been employed in a number of guises for several years. Drink driving campaigns, which accept the necessity of transport for people who are intoxicated, encourage a “designated driver” to remain sober. This is one example of a harm reduction strategy.

Harm reduction strategies targeting illicit drug use have been in place since the first National HIV/AIDS Strategy was launched in 1989. It recommended free distribution of needles and syringes to anyone who chooses. This has been successful in keeping the prevalence of HIV/AIDS amongst injecting drug users at below 2%, one of the lowest rates in the world. This compares with approximately 50-70% prevalence of HIV/AIDS amongst IDU’s in some parts of the United States , the home of hard-line prohibition.