Calls to continue the expanded police drug diversion program
AMA Queensland has joined the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, QuIVAA, the Queensland Law Society, the Queensland Network of Alcohol and Other Drug Agencies and the Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union in advocating for the expanded police drug diversion program while it is evaluated.
Joint letter to Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, 20 December 2024
AMA Queensland wrote a joint letter with the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF), QuIVAA, the Queensland Law Society, the Queensland Network of Alcohol and Other Drug Agencies (QNADA), and the Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union (QNMU) to Queensland Premier David Crisafulli urging the LNP government to keep the expanded police drug diversion program in place while it is evaluated.
The expansion of the program is widely supported by health and medical experts, legal groups and the Queensland Police Service. This diversion scheme prioritises the health and wellbeing of individuals and the community. Your party has recognised the importance of having clinicians taking leadership in matters related to health, and we want to reassure you that doctors, lawyers, drug workers and police all support the expanded diversion scheme.
Joint letter to Police and Emergency Services Minister Dan Purdie, 14 February 2025
AMA Queensland wrote a joint letter with ADF, QuIVAA, the Queensland Law Society, QNADA, and QNMU to Police and Emergency Services Minister Dan Purdue in response to a meeting with our representatives on Tuesday 11 February 2025.
We respectfully suggest the sensible middle-ground discussed during the meeting is to review the program once it is evaluated in May 2026 for effectiveness in delivering health interventions, cost-savings to police and the justice system, and community safety.
AMA Queensland to Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie, 18 February 2025
In our meeting with Minister Purdie where we discussed eligibility for the drug diversion program, an enquiry was raised regarding persons arrested with multiple other substances or with a criminal history of supply, trafficking or production.
In response, we advise that people are excluded from the program in these circumstances.
We respectfully submit diversions of persons not fitting relevant criteria set out in Division 5 of the Police Powers and Responsibility Act 2000, are likely due to a training issue given the recency of the legislation. Ensuring police officers are appropriately trained in applying the eligibility requirements will address these concerns.
AMA Queensland continues to call for the program to continue until May 2026 when it is due to be comprehensively evaluated. That evaluation will provide the necessary information determine if the program is delivering effective health interventions and cost savings to police and the justice system while simultaneously maintaining community safety.
