Tas drugs diversion program model for Australia

AAP General News (Australia)
12-07-1999
Tas drugs diversion program model for Australia

By Don Woolford

HOBART, Dec 7 AAP - A Tasmanian program to divert illicit drugs users from the courts
would be a model for Australia, federal Health Minister Michael Wooldridge said today.

Under the treatment-instead-of-punishment program, drug users will be able to choose
between going to court and entering a rehabilitation program.

It is the first state or territory program under the federal government's Tough on
Drugs Diversion program.

Dr Wooldridge, who launched the program with Premier Jim Bacon, said the Commonwealth
had contributed $3.8 million.

He said he was delighted with a state government to send first time drug users to rehabilitation
rather than prison.

"I think this program will be a model for the rest of Australia," Dr Wooldridge said.

However the parts relating specifically to cannabis will not easily translate to South
Australia and the ACT where its use has been decriminalised.

Tasmania's deputy police commissioner Jack Johnston, who is also chairman of the intergovernmental
committee on drugs, said the program was a prototype for the rest of the country.

It had been sent to the other states and territories and he expected they would pick
up most of it.

The program will allow anyone caught with less than 50 grams of cannabis to choose
between the courts and a course of assessment, education and treatment. With cannabis,
it will apply until after the third offence.

In the case of harder drugs, there will be only one chance and the allowable amount
in possession will be less.

Dealers will still be charged and sent to the courts.

Offenders opting for rehabilitation will have to agree to comply with a program worked
out by health and education agencies. Where possible, parents will also be involved in
the program.

Mr Bacon said it would particularly benefit young people because it would give them
an opportunity to get drugs out of their lives early without forcing them through the
courts and having the stigma of a criminal record.

He said diversion would free up police and court resources.

"Also, with the focus on treatment rather than punishment, it's likely there will be
less drug-related crime in the community," Mr Bacon said.

Mr Johnston, who agreed that crime should drop, said research around Australia indicated
a clear nexus between drugs and more than 60 per cent of property crime.

"It's about everyone getting a second chance, particularly our young people," Mr Johnston said.

"People are not getting off. It's about offering options."

AAP dw/arb/br

KEYWORD: DRUGS TAS

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