EDDI Fails Aboriginal Community, Experts Cry Foul

0:00New data out of New South Wales shows Aboriginal folks getting hauled to court for minor drug offenses way more often than non-aboriginal people even, with a program meant to keep them out. The early drug diversion initiative, or EDDI, kicked off in February 2024, it lets cops issue a $400 fine or telehealth support for small amounts of drugs like cocaine, MDMA, or ICE, skipping court and criminal. A report from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research looked at 11,751 incidents over the past year, less than 10% of offenders even qualified, and among those who did, police used discretion to reject aboriginal people and those from. Low-income areas at higher rates, people from richer spots, festival crowds, and folks with clean records got diverted most. Officials like the Aboriginal Legal Service say this goes against closing the gap goals to cut aboriginal incarceration, which is actually getting worse.

1:02The program's boss at BLCCR calls out narrow rules, like prior offenses, or slightly over the limit, that boot out those who need health hell most. Addiction workers point to a gap between policy dreams and street reality, leaving the vulnerable behind. Police Minister Yasmin Katley admits it's not hitting the mark, but says cops handle each case barely. To fix this, calls are growing for wider access and less cop leeway, so diversion actually reaches communities getting hit hardest. From your city, powered by AI, this is Sydney News Today.