The Early Drug Diversion Initiative: What the Evaluation Shows and How It Can Work Better
A Quick Overview of EDDI
The Early Drug Diversion Initiative (EDDI) was introduced in New South Wales in February 2024 with a clear purpose: to reduce harm, limit stigma, and connect people with health-based support instead of pushing them through the court system.
Under the scheme, eligible adults found with small quantities of certain drugs can be issued a diversion notice rather than being charged. This gives them a choice to complete a short health-focused intervention or pay a fine, avoiding a court appearance altogether.
At its core, EDDI reflects a shift towards recognising that support and early intervention can lead to better outcomes for individuals and the broader community.
What the Recent Evaluation Found
A 2026 evaluation by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research provides the first detailed look at how EDDI has operated in practice.
The findings highlight a gap between intention and reality:
- Around 90% of cases still proceeded to court rather than diversion
- Only about 28% of people were eligible for the scheme
- Of those eligible, just 22% actually received a diversion
In simple terms, even when people qualify for EDDI, most are not being diverted.
You can explore the full findings in the official evaluation report , which breaks down how eligibility criteria and decision-making processes are influencing outcomes across the state.
Where the Initiative is Falling Short
The evaluation reinforces concerns already raised by organisations working in the alcohol and other drugs sector.
Several key issues stand out:
- Restrictive eligibility criteria
A large proportion of people are excluded due to conditions such as concurrent offences or previous charges. This limits access to those who could benefit from early support. - Inconsistent application
Because the scheme relies on police discretion, diversion is not applied uniformly. This can lead to different outcomes for people in similar situations. - Unequal access
Evidence suggests that people experiencing disadvantage, including First Nations communities and those with prior contact with the justice system, are less likely to receive diversion. - Limited awareness
Both community understanding and frontline awareness of the scheme appear to be low, which further reduces its reach.
Insights from the Drug Policy Modelling Program at University of New South Wales further support these findings, showing low uptake of diversion and differences in how the scheme is applied across demographics and drug types.
Why Improving EDDI Matters
When early support is accessible, it can help people address challenges before they escalate.
Stigma and fear of consequences can discourage people from seeking help. Guidance developed in partnership with organisations such as the Alcohol and Drug Foundation and the New Zealand Drug Foundation highlights how language, perception and policy settings can directly impact whether people feel safe to access support.
EDDI was designed to reduce these barriers by offering a pathway focused on support rather than penalties. Strengthening the scheme means more people can access that pathway earlier, when it can have the greatest impact.
For additional context on how stigma influences outcomes and how to shift the narrative, the broader messaging framework developed by Common Cause Australia provides practical guidance for more effective communication and advocacy.
What A More Effective EDDI Could Look Like
The evaluation points to clear opportunities to improve how the scheme operates.
A more effective approach would focus on:
Making diversion the standard response
Ensuring that eligible people are consistently offered diversion, rather than it being applied unevenly.
Expanding eligibility
Allowing more people to access the scheme, including those with multiple substances or prior interactions.
Improving transparency
Providing clear data on diversion rates across regions to support accountability and consistency.
Offering flexible support options
Ensuring interventions are accessible and suited to different circumstances, making it easier for people to engage.
Reducing barriers within the scheme
Changes such as lowering fines and reviewing the strike system could help make participation more achievable.
These recommendations align with broader sector calls for reform following the NSW Drug Summit and ongoing advocacy efforts across the state.
Creating Better Pathways To Support
EDDI represents an important step towards a more supportive and effective approach. The recent evaluation shows that while the framework is in place, there is more work to do to ensure it delivers consistent outcomes.
Improving the scheme is not just about policy design. It is about creating pathways where people feel able to engage with support, access services early, and move forward without unnecessary barriers.
With the right adjustments, EDDI has the potential to better connect people with the support they need and strengthen outcomes across the community.
