$1.5M to support Drug Court

Queensland’s Drug Courts will receive $1.5 million in funding from the State Government through the Department of Justice and Attorney-General this financial year (2007-08).

Attorney-General and Justice Minister Kerry Shine said the funding would support the Drug Court to help drug-dependent offenders motivated to overcome the drug addiction and stop breaking the law to fund their addiction.

Mr Shine said that specifically, the funding would provide for:
·a full-time Magistrate for the south-east Queensland Drug Courts at Beenleigh, Southport and Ipswich;
·additional resources for the Drug Courts in Townsville and Cairns to cater for two sittings days per week in each centre;
·three administrative staff to assist Magistrates; and
·a program manager, and two operation co-ordinators located in the Beenleigh and Cairns courts to liaise with stakeholders.

Drug Courts operate in Beenleigh, Southport, Ipswich, Townsville and Cairns.

Mr Shine said the Drug Court in Queensland had bi-partisan support, and since its introduction as a pilot program in 2000 it has had a significant impact.

“By 30 June this year, 238 people had graduated through the program. For these graduates, the combined total of sentences avoided through suspension of jail sentence and admission to rehabilitation, totals 338 prisoner years,” Mr Shine said.

“Based on current trends, the program’s 300^th graduate is expected in early 2009,” Mr Shine said.

“For the people of Queensland, this program delivers when families are reunited drug-free, and when former addicts return to the workforce and put a life of crime behind them.”

“Significantly, the program’s success means reduced health risks to the community and reduced demand on social support agencies as well as reduced pressure on our prisons.”

17 July 2007
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3239 6400