250th graduate from Queensland’s Drug Court

A milestone in reducing drug-related crime in Queensland was reached this week with the 250^th graduate in the Drug Court program.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said the Drug Court program was an integral part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to reducing the impact of illegal drug use on the Queensland community.

“The Drug Court has successfully operated in Queensland since 2000 and the achievements of the program are highlighted by the number of offenders who have graduated from the program,” Mr Shine said.

“In addition to the 250 who have now graduated, 97 are currently participating in an Intensive Drug Rehabilitation Order as of the end of July 2007.”

“This shows a significant amount of drug offenders are able to be rehabilitated and re-integrated into the community, which is one of the objectives of the Drug Court Act 2000.”

The Drug Court provides a sentencing option to the court to divert drug-addicted offenders from prison by suspending a term of imprisonment on the condition they undergo an intensive rehabilitation program.

Mr Shine said the program was open to drug-dependent offenders who have committed offences as a result of that dependency.

“The program is only open to offenders who commit crimes because of their dependency and no violent or sexual offenders are eligible,” he said.

“The Drug Court is a collaborative whole of government initiative between seven public sector organisations and community-based support agencies.

“It contributes to the Queensland Government priorities of protecting our children, enhancing community safety, improving healthcare and strengthening services to the community.”

The Drug Court began as a trial program in south-east Queensland in 2000 and then extended to north Queensland in 2002, before becoming a permanent sentencing option in 2006. Drug Courts now operate in Beenleigh, Southport, Ipswich, Townsville and Cairns.

5 September 2007
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350
kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au