Last week we published an article comparing Chris Minns’ recent approach to domestic violence policy with his reaction to firearms post-Bondi.
The gist of that article was the difference between his more considered contemplative approach to domestic violence policy following an event where three family members were killed, compared to his knee-jerk reaction to firearm regulation in December.
There is another interesting policy emerging out of New South Wales that again raises questions around the Minns’ Government consistency in their approach to community safety.
It has been announced that drivers in New South Wales who are prescribed medicinal cannabis and test positive for THC (active ingredient) below a maximum threshold will not face drug driving charges under legal changes proposed by the Minns Government.
Transport data showed 8 per cent of all fatal crashes in New South Wales between 2019 and 2023 involved a driver or rider with THC in their system and not any other drugs, noting that number did not distinguish who was at fault.
While this will provide a welcome freedom for responsible individuals who lawfully use medicinal cannabis to assist a wide range of health issues, it raises the question yet again – why is the Minns Government prepared to take a considered and methodical approach to a community safety matter such as nuances to drug driving, but will rip and tear into policy that affects law abiding firearm owners at a frantic pace?
These reforms are proposed more than a year after a 2024 Drug Summit recommended a medical defence for drivers using prescribed cannabis, which to the government did not accept at that time, citing the need to seek further advice.
This again is in contrast to the Minns Government repose to the Bondi terrorist incident where they rushed through legislative changes, including related to firearms, all while the Premier bragged that he wouldn’t even consult with the firearms community.
People in New South Wales deserve responsible policy setting to protect the community in a consistent, thorough and evidence-based manner, and those elected with this leadership need to do so with integrity.