EMBARGOED UNTIL 2:30PM 5 JUNE 2007 Budget confirms funding for Drug Court and court diversion programs

The Queensland Government has confirmed its commitment to the Drug Court and court diversion programs in the State Budget 2007-08 today.

Attorney-General and Justice Minister Kerry Shine said the Government allocated $1.5 million in 2007-08 for the Drug Court program, $2.8 million over four years for the Queensland Indigenous Alcohol Diversion program pilot and a further $300,000 over two years for the Homeless Persons Court Diversion program.

“These three initiatives are important initiatives to address the causes of crime and reduce recidivism, particularly as a result of drug and alcohol dependency,” Mr Shine said.

Mr Shine said the Drug Court program was an initiative to address the serious criminal activity associated with drug dependency. Eligible offenders can take part in an intensive drug rehabilitation order as an alternative to prison.

“The funding allocation is in recognition of the importance of the Drug Court in addressing the link between drug abuse and crime,” Mr Shine said.

“The Drug Court is now a permanent sentencing option for participating magistrate courts at Beenleigh, Ipswich, Southport, Townsville and Cairns.”

“More than 200 offenders have successfully completed the intensive program imposed and supervised by the Queensland Drug Courts, reducing the pressure on the Queensland prison system by more than 280 prisoner years.”

Mr Shine said the Government has allocated $2.8 million over four years ($0.9 million in 2007-08) for a pilot of the Queensland Indigenous Alcohol Diversion Program, a court-based treatment program for indigenous defendants who are alcohol dependent.

“The program will be piloted in Cairns (including Yarrabah), Rockhampton (including Woorabinda) and Townsville (including Palm Island) for three years from July this year.”

“The aim of this program is to reduce alcohol abuse and associated crime by addressing the causes of the offending behaviour. The program will also provide support services to participants.”

Mr Shine said the Government has also committed $300,000 over two years ($120,000 in 2007-08) for the Homeless Persons Court Diversion program.

“This program started in the Brisbane Magistrates Court in May last year as part of a whole-of-government initiative to address homelessness. More than 200 referrals to accommodation, health and other agencies have already been made,” he said.

In terms of the on-going Queensland Illicit Drugs Court Diversion program, more than 8600 offenders have been diverted into drug diversion assessment and education sessions since it started in March 2003.

This program provides for eligible offenders with substance abuse issues to be referred to approved service providers for appropriate intervention.

5 June 2007
Media contact:
Kirby Anderson (Mr Shine's office) 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350
kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au