January 21, 2021

Statement of support – NSW proposed drug law reforms

Twenty-seven legal, medical, health, community and church groups, have welcomed news that the NSW Government is considering law reform regarding small quantities of drugs and introducing a diversionary system.  

This group, many of whom are members of the Fair Treatment campaign, has long-advocated for such a move, arguing drug laws should be reformed so that drug use can be treated primarily as a health and social issue. 

We welcome a greater emphasis on diversion but this will only be effective if health and social measures have increased funding and support. 

We support these sensible measures that reflect the government is listening to the medical and legal experts and making laws based on the evidence. 

This small step brings NSW in line with other jurisdictions around Australia that have similar diversion systems. 

Too many people who use drugs are made to live in the shadows, looked down upon with shame and stigma and therefore don’t seek help because of our current drug laws. 

Opportunity for change

We believe this move by the NSW Government could allow police to be tough on crime, diverting resources to policing large drug traffickers and violent offences. This is where we as a society need their attention to be. We need the helping hand of treatment and support extended to those with drug dependency. 

We all want a society in which all people are valued and their dignity as human beings recognised. Parents want to know that their kids will come home from a night out and if they have drug dependency society will help keep them safe until they can get treatment. This move by the NSW government is to be applauded. 

We look forward to an ongoing dialogue about the freeing up of police resources and funding for treatment for people who seek it. 

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Signatories