The Greens have slammed the LNP’s “stupid” proposal to wind back diversion for minor drug offences, calling instead for cannabis to be legalised and harm reduction services expanded.
Greens MP Michael Berkman:
“No government has ever won the war on drugs by blindly repeating “just say no”.
“Locking someone up for minor drug possession is just pouring taxpayer dollars down the drain. It’s stupid on so many levels.
“If someone is misusing drugs they need healthcare, not a jail cell. Addiction is a health condition, not a crime.
“All this does is send more vulnerable, unwell people into overcrowded prisons where - let’s face it - drugs are often plentiful and rehabilitative options scant.
“Taxpayers will foot the bill for more expensive law enforcement and more prisons, while our mental health and drug rehabilitation systems wither away unfunded.
“Instead of helping people, prohibition makes it harder for them to get support, and means more people die from drug misuse.
“Can these politicians look Queensland families in the eye and explain why they’ve banned pill testing, underfunded rehabilitation services and left jail or overdose as the only option for their loved ones?
“I think it’s time for the LNP to grow up and face the fact that many people - probably including themselves - use drugs occasionally, without harming anyone else. For those who do struggle with drug misuse and addiction, locking them up won’t help.
“We should be moving towards an evidence-based healthcare response to drugs, including legal cannabis, rehabilitation funding and bringing back harm reduction services like drug checking.”