“Our road toll is increasing,” Catley said. “We need to make sure that we weigh up the risk and the benefit and ensure that that policy area is right for the time.”
Loading
The drug summit report also recommended the government review the consistency of its cannabis cautioning scheme and Early Drug Diversion Initiative.
The diversion initiative, introduced in early 2024, allows officers to issue a $400 on-the-spot fine for first or second low-level drug possession offences, but its rollout has been sporadic and inconsistent across postcodes.
“We know that it wasn’t working,” Catley said. “We’ve acknowledged that for some time now, so what we want to do is make sure that we give people the opportunity to have a health response and … receive the assistance that they need.”
The Penington Institute, which releases an annual report on Australian overdose deaths, accused the government of “dangerous timidity” towards drug reform that would cost lives.
“We urge the government to rethink its position on these key proposals,” said director of research, Dr Jake Dizard.
Uniting NSW advocate Emma Maiden said the government had “squibbed it” by failing to implement real reform from the summit.
Loading
“The mums and dads of NSW, the people who have lost someone they love, the people who can’t access treatment … all came to the drug summit last year with goodwill,” Maiden said. “This response today is really out of touch with community attitudes.”
Health Minister Ryan Park said the government had not shied away from changes to the state’s drug policies.
“For the first time in the state’s history we are commencing a drug-checking trial,” he said. “The work in relation to medicinal cannabis and its impact on driving drug policy is not easy.
“So, to be fair, I don’t think we squibbed it.”
The government has committed to delivering the report’s first recommendation to develop a 10-year drug and alcohol strategy within the next year.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
