Experts have reported a decline in effectiveness for South Australia's Police Drug Diversion Initiative.

A new study suggests that over the past decade, South Australia's Police Drug Diversion Initiative, once hailed as the country's best, has experienced a severe decline in its effectiveness, leaving many to question its impact.

The analysis relies on historical and legal research, including publicly available data on drug use, arrests, and diversions, along with media reports, legislative changes, and Hansard debates.

In the mid-2010s, concerns about amphetamine-type stimulant use in Adelaide led to scrutiny of the Police Drug Diversion Initiative. 

Critics, including the Liberal opposition, cited excessive leniency and resource allocation as issues. Despite its previous success, the Liberal government, upon taking office, introduced amendments that placed a cap on diversions at two instances. 

This effectively ended the mandatory diversion of simple drug possession cases from the criminal justice system to the social justice system. 

Since then, South Australia has witnessed a significant drop in diversion rates, a decline not solely attributable to these legislative changes.

What was once Australia's gold standard for diverting minor drug offenders to treatment has lost its efficacy, possibly transforming from the best to the worst in the country. 

Despite government estimates suggesting a minimal impact, diversion rates in South Australia have plunged by over 75 per cent.

Experts say that the sharp decline in diversion remains poorly recognised and understood, and that finding convincing explanations for this sudden drop is challenging.

It appears clear that the cap on mandatory diversion has had a negative impact on diversion rates, diminishing the effectiveness of the country's best diversion program and resulting in significant costs to the well-being of vulnerable citizens.

More details are accessible here.