Media Release 4th June 2026
Uniting welcomes changes to NSW’s unfair drug driving laws – now for further positive drug law reform
Uniting has welcomed today’s announcement by the NSW Government of proposed changes to laws relating to medicinal cannabis use and driving in the state.
Alexandra Hogan, Uniting NSW.ACT’s Social Justice Lead said: “We need a health and well-being response to drug use, and that includes people who drive, and use prescribed medicinal cannabis.
“Today’s announcement is recognition that NSW Road and Transport Act needs to be amended to be in step with the current legal status of medicinal cannabis, and in line with laws for similar prescribed drugs.
“In line with a weight of evidence, Uniting supports these fair and sensible changes for people prescribed medicinal cannabis and welcomes today’s announcement by Jenny Aitchison, the NSW Minister for Roads.
“The current law is out of step with evidence, creating barriers for people to lead full and thriving lives, particularly in regional areas,” she said.
“In our campaign work in Lismore and elsewhere across NSW, we hear directly from the community about the consequences of these laws – public transport isn’t as abundant in cities, so the primary mode of transport is the car.
“If your work or daily life requires driving, the law as it stands is creating unfair barriers for people who use prescribed medicinal cannabis.
“We congratulate Unharm and our other partners in the Fair Treatment campaign and those key crossbench MPs in the Parliament who have long championed this issue.
“We again repeat our calls for the NSW Government to respond swiftly to the detailed report from last year’s Drug Summit with a detailed plan, and the required funding to implement the report’s recommendations,” Alex said.
Uniting NSW.ACT has run the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre in Kings Cross for 25 years and spearheaded the Fair Treatment Campaign for fairer drug laws for over seven years.
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Media contact:
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Andrew Bradley Media & Public Affairs Manager |
About Uniting
Uniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT, through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. We provide services for people through all ages and stages of life, and drive solutions to systemic issues so people experiencing disadvantage can live their best lives. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. We value diversity and always welcome everyone exactly as they are.
