High Time: How Australia Changed Its Mind About Illegal Drugs (Desmond Manderson, La Trobe)

Desmond Manderson’s High Time charts the history of attitudes towards drugs in Australia, from anti-Chinese attacks on opium in the early 20th century to present-day concerns about vaping and pill testing. The book expands on Manderson’s earlier work, From Mr Sin to Mr Big, updating his research in light of contemporary debates and policy shifts. Central to Manderson’s analysis is the emergence of the harm reduction movement, which aims to reduce the risks of drug use rather than trying to prohibit drugs outright. He treats drug users with compassion, clearly acknowledging how policing and prohibition have often increased risks, particularly for people from vulnerable demographics. Manderson’s writing feels equal parts academic and polemical, often treading an uneasy line between objectivity and opinion. He is firmly aligned with the harm reduction movement and its focus on initiatives such as pill testing and injecting rooms. At the same time, he engages seriously with competing views, showing a willingness to acknowledge the potential benefits of other approaches. His subject matter is far-reaching, covering attitudes (both historical and contemporary) across government, interest groups, medical experts and corporations. In doing so, he provides a concise overview of the legal, social and medical contexts of drugs in Australia. High Time will appeal to readers who enjoy political and social histories, particularly those comfortable with a more academic tone.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Lisandra Linde is an author and reviewer based on Kaurna country. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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