Billionaire Entrepreneur Calls for NSW to Decriminalize Illicit Drugs
Sir Richard Branson believes NSW should adopt an approach to drugs similar to that of the ACT.
Billionaire business magnate Sir Richard Branson has called for the New South Wales (NSW) government to enact reforms to decriminalise drugs statewide.
“It’s time to decriminalise now and put people’s health first. For god’s sake, do something about it,” Mr. Branson said in a self-recorded video.
“More needs to be done. I can’t wait to hear when NSW has held its long promised drug summit and listen to the evidence about sensible, compassionate and effective drug laws.”
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Mr. Branson believes NSW should follow the lead of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) in its reforms.
“The Australian Capital Territory took the lead and changed its drug laws for the better, removing criminal sanctions for simple drug use,” he said.
Mr. Branson’s video message comprises part of the Fair Treatment Campaign founded by the Uniting Church in 2018, which aims to provide increased treatment and services surrounding drug use.
NSW Labor, led by Chris Minns, went to the state election in March promising to hold a drug summit in which drug reforms would be discussed and considered. Premier Minns has yet to provide a clear time horizon regarding the summit other than saying it will take place in 2024.
Mr. Branson’s comments come just weeks after the Minns government implemented a major overhaul to the state’s current drug legislation.
From the start of 2024, people who are found in possession of small quantities of illicit substances for recreational use will be issued a fine that will be waived if they attend a drug and alcohol education program.
The government hopes the changes could deter thousands of people away from the NSW criminal justice system. The changes will only apply to personal usage. Commercial drug supply and distribution will be prosecuted as per usual.
NSW Attorney General Michael Daley believes the reforms are on the right track to making drugs a health issue rather than a criminal one.
“It is still an offence to possess and use illicit drugs and the NSW government supports people, their families, and communities impacted by illicit drugs.”
Mr. Daley is adamant the reforms will ease pressures on the NSW justice system.
Previous Reforms
The first and only NSW drug summit was held in
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