The NSW Government is considering a proposal for a new system if people are found with small quantities of drugs.

 It would be a 3 strikes diversion system (strike 1 = warning, strike 2 = fine, strike 3 = larger fine, strike 4 = court).

At strike 2 or 3, people will be able to avoid a fine by attending Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) support.

The system would apply to all drugs and replace the current caution scheme that only applies to cannabis.

This proposal goes to Cabinet for decision on 14 December so there isn’t a lot of time.

Please take 2 minutes and make a difference.

Email your MP now to tell them that their community supports this idea.

Calling the Premier’s electorate office can also have a big impact. The number is (02) 8574 5000.

You could also call talkback radio to show your support and write letters to the editor.

Here are some brief talking points.  

• Begin with your name and say something about yourself – grandmother of five, primary school teacher, business owner etc.
• State you support the proposal before Cabinet to change the laws around possession of small amounts of drugs.
• The proposed law treats people with compassion and diverts them into health and welfare responses before punishment.
• Repeated surveys show the majority of Australians support this kind of approach.
• Every State or Territory in Australia, except NSW and Queensland, has a system like the one NSW is proposing.
• The evidence from around the world shows treating personal drug use as a health and social issue saves lives and doesn’t increase use. The best example is Portugal, with almost 20 years of positive results.
• There’s potential for huge resource savings in police, corrections and justice – which can be re-directed into pursuing large traffickers and violent crime, as well as improving treatment options throughout NSW, including regional and rural areas.
• The laws reduce shame and stigma, allowing people with drug dependency issues to have open conversations about their drug taking and seek help if they need it.
• The laws mean if our loved ones experiment and use drugs recreationally, they won’t be at risk of a criminal record.

And remember to thank them for their time. 

You can also pledge your support at www.fairtreatment.org to tell our politicians that the time has come to set aside ideology and modernise our drug policies.