Early Drug Diversion Initiative Easy Read
This is an Easy Read fact sheet about the Early Drug Diversion Initiative (EDDI).
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The NSW Government wrote this fact sheet.
When you see the word ‘we’, it means the NSW Government.
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We wrote this fact sheet in an easy to read way.
We use pictures to explain some ideas.
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We wrote some important words in bold.
This means the letters are thicker and darker.
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We explain what these words mean.
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You can ask for help to read this fact sheet.
A friend, family member or support person might be able to help you.
What is this fact sheet about?
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This fact sheet is about the Early Drug Diversion Initiative.
We just call it EDDI.
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It is a crime to possess or use drugs that are against the law in New South Wales (NSW).
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If you possess drugs, you have them:
- with you – for example, in your pocket
- in a place you live at or use – for example, a house or car.
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We call these crimes ‘drug offences’.
If you commit a drug offence, you might need to go to court.
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Drugs that are against the law in NSW include:
- MDMA, like ecstasy
- cocaine
- methylamphetamines, like ice and speed
- heroin
- marijuana.
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Small drug offences are when you:
- use drugs that are against the law
- possess a small amount of drugs that are against the law.
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The amount that counts as a small drug offence depends on the type of drug.
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For example, you might possess up to:
- 0.75 grams of MDMA in a tablet
- 0.25 grams of MDMA in other forms
- 1 gram of cocaine
- 1 gram of methylamphetamines
- 1 gram of heroin.
What is EDDI?
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EDDI is a program for adults who commit small drug offences.
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If you commit a small drug offence, you might receive a fine instead of needing to go to court.
If you receive a fine, you can choose to take part in EDDI.
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When you take part in EDDI, you can choose to:
- pay a $400 fine; or
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- have a phone call with a health professional.
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You must use a health professional that we trust.
You can find out how to contact them at the end of this fact sheet.
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It is still a crime to possess or use drugs that are against the law.
Who can take part in EDDI?
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You can choose to take part in EDDI if you are an adult and have:
- committed a small drug offence; and
- received a fine.
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You only have the option to take part in EDDI the first 2 times you commit a small drug offence.
Who can't take part in EDDI?
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If you commit more than 2 small drug offences, you can’t take part in EDDI again, you will need to go to court.
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If you commit a small drug offence related to marijuana, you can’t take part in EDDI.
You might get a warning as part of the Cannabis Cautioning Scheme instead.
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You can’t take part in EDDI if you possess:
- more than a small amount of drugs that are against the law; or
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- more than one type of drug that is against the law.
This does not include marijuana.
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You can’t take part in EDDI if you have ever committed a serious drug offence.
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For example:
- growing or making drugs that are against the law
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selling drugs that are against the law
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bringing drugs that are against the law into Australia from another country.
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You also can’t take part in EDDI if the police say you need to go to court.
What are your options?
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You might choose to pay the $400 fine.
You can find more information about how you can manage your fine on the NSW website: www.nsw.gov.au/money-and-taxes/fines-and-fees/fines
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You might choose to have a phone call with a health professional instead of paying the $400 fine.
How do I book the phone call?
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You need to book an appointment with a health professional that we trust before the due date of your fine.
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You can book an appointment online.
https://eddi.zohobookings.com.au/#/eddi
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- You can call St Vincent’s Health Network on 1800 844 881 to book an appointment
- You can call, Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm.
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An appointment with a health professional is:
- free
- private.
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The first time you commit a small drug offence, your appointment can go for up to 1 hour.
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The second time you commit a small drug offence, your appointment can go for up to 1 hour.
And you can choose to have another appointment for up to 30 minutes
What will happen on the phone appointment?
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During your phone call, the health professional will talk with you about your experience using drugs.
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They will give you information about:
- the risks of using drugs;
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- healthy choices; and
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- where you can get support to make decisions about your health.