The Rockliff Government is expanding treatment to address drug and alcohol issues contributing to recidivism and relapse with the tabling of the draft Sentencing Amendment (Alcohol Treatment Order) Bill 2023 Parliament today.
The Bill will expand the use of Drug Treatment Orders under the Court Mandated Division (CMD) program to Drug and Alcohol Treatment Orders.
“The program uses therapeutic interventions and the support of the court to ensure that offenders access the services and treatment necessary to address the issues that contribute to recidivism and relapse,” Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Guy Barnett.
“It’s an important alternative sentencing option that allows offenders to remain in the community, where they can access services to treat their underlying issues, while reducing the negative impact on themselves and their families.”
The Sentencing Act 1997 provides restrictions around the granting of a Drug Treatment Order, which will continue to apply to drug and alcohol treatment orders under the amendment.
A court may make a treatment order where an offender has a demonstrated history of alcohol dependence, which is linked to their offending.
A new discretionary program condition is also inserted to provide that a Court may order that the offender must not visit locations or classes of locations as specified in the order.
“We know the CMD program works and it is always a great experience to see somebody completely turn their life around for them and their family.
“We will continue to support our CMD programs, which continue to deliver benefit for many Tasmanians, and look forward to the program becoming available to offenders with a history of alcohol dependence.”
