Support Don't Punish 2026: NSW Budget misses chance to deliver Drug Summit reforms as overdose rates hit record high
Uniting NSW.ACT
As Australia records its highest-ever number of overdose deaths, organisations across the country mark Support Don’t Punish Day 2026, a global campaign demanding drug policies grounded in health, compassion and human rights.
“This is the day when Uniting NSW.ACT joins with organisations from around the world to challenge stigma and injustice, and to push for laws, policies and practices that support health outcomes instead of punishment,” said Alex Hogan, Uniting NSW.ACT’s Senior Social Justice Lead.
“The Penington Institute's latest Annual Overdose Report shows overdose deaths have reached their highest level on record, with seven Australians dying every day. Yet this year’s NSW Budget has no new funding for alcohol and other drug treatment services, no investment to strengthen the Early Drug Diversion Initiative (EDDI), and no funding for drug checking services,” said Ms Hogan.
Recent evidence continues to underline that reform works. The ACT's two-year evaluation of drug decriminalisation found around 70 per cent of people found in possession of drugs were diverted away from the criminal justice system and into health and support services.
By comparison, a March 2026 BOCSAR review found NSW's Early Drug Diversion Initiative (EDDI) is falling well short of its intended purpose, with only 22 per cent of eligible people offered diversion during its first year.
"The NSW Government must urgently legislate and fund the Drug Summit reforms," said Ms Hogan.
“This includes strengthening EDDI so diversion becomes the default response by police - removing the strike system, lowering fines, and other eligibility barriers.”
“The ACT has shown that evidence-based drug law reform works. It diverts people into health care, reducing pressure on courts and law enforcement and ultimately saves lives.”
To mark Support Don’t Punish Day, Uniting’s Fair Treatment campaign will host a Webinar on 8 July, examining NSW’s Early Drug Diversion Initiative, lessons from the ACT model and how to build fairer, more effective health-based responses to drug use.
Details for our Support Don’t Punish event below:
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When: |
Wednesday 8th July 6:30pm-7:30p
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Where: |
ONLINE via Teams.
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Register: |
Support Don't Punish Webinar: Discussing Decriminalisation and Diversion in NSW and the ACT |
Media are welcome to attend.
Uniting NSW.ACT has run the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre in Kings Cross for 25 years and spearheaded the Fair Treatment Campaign for fairer drug laws for over seven years.
About us:
About Uniting
Uniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT, through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. We provide services for people through all ages and stages of life, and drive solutions to systemic issues so people experiencing disadvantage can live their best lives. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. We value diversity and always welcome everyone exactly as they are.
Contact details:
Bronwen Reed
Media and Social Media Lead
0481 056 714