The Early Drug Diversion Initiative (EDDI) in New South Wales (NSW) marks its second anniversary amid increasing calls for significant reform in drug laws. Despite the initiative’s implementation on February 29, 2024, advocates argue that it has fallen short of expectations in addressing the challenges posed by existing drug policies.
Campaigners for drug reform express disappointment over the EDDI’s performance, citing it as a missed opportunity to improve the lives of those affected by drug dependency. Alice Salomon, Head of Advocacy at Uniting NSW.ACT, highlighted the need for urgent improvements, stating, “Many people had hoped for better for those they love who are living with drug dependency.”
Calls for Action Following NSW Drug Summit
The two-year milestone comes 14 months after the NSW Drug Summit, where the government pledged to reform and enhance the EDDI. In its response to the summit report last October, the NSW Government indicated that “work to reform and to increase the use of EDDI is underway.” Despite these assurances, advocates remain skeptical about the pace and effectiveness of the proposed changes.
Salomon noted that effective reforms should be data-driven and informed by input from the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector, individuals with lived experiences, and legal experts. “Many of the problems with EDDI could have been avoided by effective co-design with the sector,” she said, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration in any redesign of the initiative.
Need for Inclusive and Equitable Diversion Programs
Advocates argue that personal drug use should be approached as a health issue rather than a criminal one. Salomon called for improvements to the EDDI that would include eliminating police discretion, abolishing the strike system, reducing fines, and removing concurrent offences from eligibility criteria. “Everyone should be eligible to access this diversion scheme, including First Nations people and those without means,” she stated.
The upcoming evaluation of EDDI by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) is expected to provide critical data that may underscore the need for reform. Salomon urged the NSW Government to consult with the AOD sector and legal services to establish best practices for the EDDI.
Research from the Drug Policy Modelling Program (DPMP) at UNSW revealed a concerning trend: lower uptake of the EDDI by police, with certain demographics, particularly First Nations communities, facing higher rates of criminal justice system involvement. The data indicated that the program disproportionately favors those who use drugs like cocaine or MDMA, often leaving marginalized groups at a disadvantage.
“It’s clear that NSW needs evidence-based, equitable, and inclusive diversion programs which will result in better outcomes for people,” Salomon remarked. She stressed that all individuals, regardless of background, should have access to the EDDI for small personal drug possession.
Survey results consistently show that a substantial majority of the community supports this approach. Uniting NSW.ACT has been at the forefront of advocating for fairer drug laws through initiatives like the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre and the Fair Treatment campaign for over seven years.
The call for reform is not just about changing laws; it reflects a broader societal need to treat drug dependency with compassion and understanding. As NSW marks this pivotal anniversary, the pressure mounts for the government to act decisively and implement meaningful reforms that reflect the community’s values and needs.
