The three-strike personal drug use rule, which allows for a person to be treated as a repeat offender after being caught

Key Highlights :

1. People caught with a small amount of illicit drugs, including cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine, will likely avoid a court date under new laws passed in Queensland.

2. A drug diversion program for cannabis that has existed in the Sunshine State for decades has been expanded to include the full spectrum of illegal drugs and some pharmaceuticals.

3. Police Minister Mark Ryan said the shift in tactics from a police to a health response would bring the state into line with other Australian jurisdictions.

4. Those caught with drugs under certain thresholds are eligible for diversionary action if a police officer reasonably believes the amount is for personal use.

5. Greens MP Michael Berkman warned the laws potentially enabled a child to be treated more harshly than an adult.

6. "While police will have to offer adults a warning or diversion, police will still be able to charge children in the first instance," he said. "Fundamentally, police should not be able to charge a child for possession in circumstances when they couldn't charge an adult."

7. A section of the Youth Justice Act "requires police to consider alternatives to proceeding against children", it said in response to a parliamentary committee report.

8. Mr Berkman also outlined concern with ineligible criteria, including previously serving time for serious drug offences or committing crimes such as burglary relating to possession.

     Changes to Queensland drug laws are expected to divert thousands of people caught with small amounts including cocaine and heroin away from the justice system. This is according to Queensland Police Minister Jack Dempsey, who said that the new laws will make it easier for people to receive treatment instead of going to court.

     The new laws, which are set to come into effect from 1 January 2017, will see people caught with small amounts of drugs, including cocaine and heroin, diverted into treatment and rehabilitation programs instead of being sent to court. This is expected to save the government millions of dollars each year, as well as reducing the number of people who end up in prison.

     Under the new laws, first time offenders caught with a small amount of drugs will be required to attend an assessment and treatment program, rather than going to court. If they complete the program, they will be eligible to have the charge against them dismissed. Repeat offenders will still be required to attend treatment, but will not have their charges dismissed if they fail to attend.

     The changes to Queensland drug laws are part of a wider national reform agenda, which aims to reduce the number of people who end up in prison. Queensland is one of a number of states around Australia that are moving towards a treatment-first approach to drug crime, with the hope of reducing the number of people who end up in prison.

Continue Reading at Source : thewest