Queensland to make sweeping changes to drug reform in a bid to tackle youth crime
The Sunshine State will soon have some of Australia’s softest drug laws after leaked emails reveal a major flip in drug laws.
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Queensland will soon have some of the most relaxed drug laws in Australia, according to leaked emails obtained by News Corp, detailing the Palaszczuk government’s plans to sweep aside the state’s tough stance on hard drugs.
The changes include giving anyone caught carrying up to a gram of heroin, cocaine, or ice three chances before they face criminal charges.
First-time offenders will get a warning, and second- and third-time offenders will be offered an opportunity to participate in a drug diversionary program.
Only on the fourth time are police required to issue a court notice to appear on the charge of drug possession.
The changes – which the Palaszczuk government developed alongside police and health and drug experts – intend to ease the workload on police and the courts, and keep users with health issues out for the judicial system.
They were set to be announced later this week but were leaked after a senior Queensland police officer sent an email to thousands of staff announcing the move, The Australian reports.
Acting deputy police commissioner Mark Wheeler said in the email, which was later recalled, the bill “enhances the program available to police to effectively deal with minor drug offences”.
In a statement, Queensland Police Minister Mark Ryan said the state’s police service had “asked for this” and the changes were supported by Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll and several former Queensland police commissioners.
“All have confirmed this approach is a win-win – better community safety outcomes and better use of police and court resources,’’ Mr Ryan said, according to The Australian.
Queensland’s Cabinet also reportedly signed off on a move to take a tougher stance on drug trafficking – increasing the maximum penalty from 25 years in prison to a life sentence – and extend the decade-old drug diversionary program for cannabis possession to include ice, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, ketamine, and steroids.
The move brings Queensland into line with other states and territories in offering diversionary programs or education rather than convictions for possession of drugs other than cannabis.
However, the new laws are among the softest in Australia. Victoria offers fewer chances before a conviction on possession and NSW law defines a “small quantity” of a drug being a quarter of Queensland’s. Only the ACT and South Australia are more lenient.
The new drug laws will come into effect next year and are seen as a way to give police more time to tackle a spiralling youth crime crisis.
The Palaszczuk government is set to introduce laws to make breach of bail a stand-alone offence for juveniles on Tuesday, after 150,000 people signed a petition to reintroduce the controversial Liberal National policy.
“Once again we have listened to the community and we want to work together in the spirit of bipartisanship in the best interests for the people of this state,” the Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said, The Australian reports.
Police already have powers to arrest juveniles who did not comply with bail conditions.
Originally published as Queensland to make sweeping changes to drug reform in a bid to tackle youth crime
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