Repeat drug offenders get just one chance under new laws

Repeat drug offenders will face on-the-spot fines or criminal charges under tough new laws introduced to Queensland Parliament last week.

The Crisafulli Government says its proposed Illicit Drug Enforcement and Diversion Framework will restore “consequences for dangerous drug offences” after Labor’s 2024 diversion changes allowed offenders multiple opportunities to avoid penalties.

Under the previous scheme, offenders could receive a warning and multiple diversion offers and, when combined with court diversion, be caught with dangerous drugs up to five times before facing meaningful consequences.

The new Bill – titled the Expanding Adult Crime, Adult Time and Taking a Strong Stance on Drugs and Antisocial Behaviour Bill 2026 – will limit diversion to a single opportunity for eligible first-time offenders.

Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt said the reforms would give police stronger powers to respond to drug offending.

“Unfortunately, we see in our community daily the scourge of drug addiction and increased drug use fuelled by Labor’s watering down of drug laws over the last decade," Mr Hunt said.

"We need to send a strong message that illicit drug use is a menace on our community and sees increases in crime, violence and disorderly behaviour.

"These new laws will give police and courts the powers they need to take action to reduce the harm of illicit drugs in our community.”

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the previous government’s diversion scheme allowed offenders multiple chances and sent the wrong message that drug use carried no consequences.

“Dangerous drugs fuel crime, destroy lives and strengthen organised crime syndicates, and the Crisafulli Government is taking decisive action to stop this, by backing police with the laws they need to restore safety after Labor’s decade of decline.

“These reforms send a clear message that there is no safe way to take dangerous drugs as we continue to crackdown on this gateway to addiction and criminal offending.”

Under the framework, eligible adults and children found with small quantities of cannabis may receive one diversion opportunity. For other minor drug offences, police will be able to issue on-the-spot fines, with offenders able to complete a diversion program instead of paying the fine. Repeat or serious offenders will face criminal charges.