In a somewhat surprising move, the NSW Attorney-General has
declared that drug policies in NSW are "clearly not
working".
Attorney-General Mark Speakman has proposed
laws where those caught with small quantities would be fined,
rather than go to court.
The progressive move acknowledges that the current hard-line
stance on drug use, the so-called "war on drugs" has been
fruitless.
NSW Government pushes drug diversion scheme
The scheme would see people caught with small amounts of illegal
drugs face $400 penalties, rather than face arrest. The laws
follows the existing caution system for cannabis possession.
Under this proposal, police would have the discretion to issue
up to two fines to an individual. The punishment could then be
waived completely if the person undertakes some kind of counselling
or health intervention.
