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Byron Shire
March 28, 2024

Drug testing sees cops playing same old game

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Where should affordable housing go in Tweed Shire?

Should affordable and social housing in the Tweed Shire be tucked away in a few discreet corners? Perhaps it should be on the block next to where you live?

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Wild dog breeding season can increase attacks on domestic dogs

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Nearly 30 years ago The Echo was founded as a response to the disproportionate use of police resources to target cannabis users in Main Arm with road blocks and vehicle inspections. And while the rest of the world has moved on and intelligent, informed people are belatedly realising the health, social and environmental benefits of decriminalising cannabis, the NSW police are diverting resources from domestic violence, child abuse and horrific drugs like ice to devote even more resources to target a drug that has no known toxicity, no connection to violence and no evidence it impairs driving.

And here’s the most unpleasant part of their current strategy. Once you have been caught once, the police put the registration of your vehicle into their database along with stolen and unregistered vehicles.

Every police car in the state with number-plate recognition will now pull you over to give you a drug test. First time you may get a caution, second time you’ll lose your licence and maybe your job, your house and your future.

Name and address withheld

 


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Making Lismore Showground accessible to everyone

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