After years of delays, the NSW government’s imperfect drugs policy is at least a sign of progress

Evidence shows the tough on crime' tactic does not work. NSW has finally dipped its toe into taking a different approach

• Get our free news app, morning email briefing or daily news podcast
• NSW announces pre-court drug diversion scheme

When Prof Dan Howard handed the New South Wales government the findings of his landmark inquiry into drug addiction almost three years ago, he knew some of the 109 recommendations would prove unpalatable.

Specifically, any move to decriminalise illicit drug possession was unlikely to get far in a state where both major parties jostle to outdo one another in vowing tougher jail sentences, more police powers and harsher bail laws.

Sign up to receive an email with the top stories from Guardian Australia every morning