AAP General News (Australia)
12-07-1999
Tas drugs diversion program model for Australia
The Tasmanian government has announced the first federal-government sponsored alternate
drug punishment laws.
Federal Health Minister MICHAEL WOOLDRIDGE says the program will divert illicit drugs
users from the courts.
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, although the idea has been used in other states.
Dr WOOLDRIDGE launched the program with Premier JIM BACON complete with $3.8 million
Commonwealth funding.
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, that choice will apply until after
the third offence, but with harder drugs, there will be only one chance and the allowable
amount in possession will be less.
AAP RTV dw/pjg/jn
KEYWORD: DRUGS (HOBART)
1999 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
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