New drug diversion to begin on Monday, December 4, 2000

3/12/00
Drug offenders will be sent to compulsory assessment and treatment through a pilot diversion program linked into the new drug court system.
The Minister Responsible for Drug Abuse Strategy, Kevin Prince, said today the Western Australian community stood to benefit significantly from the implementation of the new drug diversion strategy.

Launching the strategy today at Palmerston Centre in Northbridge, Mr Prince said it aimed to engage all drug offenders into treatment.
"Treatment is, of course, the approach most likely to change drug users' behaviour and prevent them re-offending and is preferable to simply jailing them," he said.
Mr Prince said each stage of the criminal justice system provided an opportunity to engage more drug users into treatment.
The drug court system, also a pilot, will begin in Perth tomorrow, along with a pilot police diversion program for first time offenders in Perth and Geraldton.
Police will be able to divert minor drug offenders directly into compulsory assessment and treatment. The Cannabis Cautioning and Mandatory Education System is already in place for first offenders.
The strategy will be extended State-wide over the coming two years if it successfully achieves a reduction in drug-related crime and drug abuse.
It is part of a national approach, with Western Australia and the Commonwealth signing a single inter-governmental agreement for the implementation of National Illicit Drug Strategy measures.
These measures include a substantial expansion of treatment services.
The initiative was co-ordinated in Western Australia by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office working with the Ministry of Justice, the Police Service, the Health Department and Government and non-Government alcohol and drug agencies, in partnership with the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care and the Australian National Council on Drugs.
Mr Prince said the drug court approach was a major innovation being developed around the world.
"It involves a shift towards 'therapeutic jurisprudence' where the judicial officer, defence and prosecution counsel and the assessment treatment service work together as a team, managing the offender through their sentence and participation in treatment," he said.
"The drug court system will have a dedicated Magistrate in the Court of Petty Sessions, as well as operating in the District and Children's Courts.
"Offenders with shorter periods of compulsory treatment will be supervised directly by the Court Assessment and Treatment Service, while more serious offenders undertaking longer periods of compulsory treatment, will be supervised directly by the drug court."
Mr Prince said participation in diversion programs was no soft option for offenders.
"It is a carrot and stick approach that provides an opportunity for the offender, but the consequences are clear if this chance is not taken," he said.
"Diversion requires a co-ordinated effort by the criminal justice and drug treatment systems, with clarity of purpose and openness of communication."
Chairman of the Australian National Council on Drugs, Major Brian Watters, said that the co-operative approach taken by all the agencies involved to develop this initiative augured well for its success.
Mr Prince said the Commonwealth had dedicated $11.13 million for the expanded treatment services for the years 2000 to 2003 and beyond.
"It is also providing funds for the development of two WA programs which supported police diversion - $559,500 for a school program, and another $877,500 for a family program," he said.
Media contacts:
Caroline Lacy on 9220 5000
Dianne Dixon, Manager, Media and Communication, WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office