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ABC News
ABC News
Health

New Queensland drug laws will keep thousands of people out of justice system, advocates say

The new laws mean police will issue a warning for first-time minor drug possession and offer a place in a diversionary program. (ABC News: Greg Nelson)

Queensland parliament is poised to pass legislative changes that will divert thousands of people out of the courts and into health and education programs each year in a landmark shift in the state's approach to illicit substances that new polling shows has popular support.

The police drug diversion program for cannabis will be expanded to include all drugs, meaning people found with small personal quantities of substances like heroin and methamphetamines will be given three chances to avoid criminal charges.

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