The Greens welcome the re-tabling of the Sentencing Amendment (Alcohol Treatment Order) Bill 2024.
We have been advocating for expanding the court mandated diversion program to alcohol related offending since it was recommended by the Sentencing Advisory Council in 2016.
We were also advocating for greater funding for the program to increase the participant cap prior to this re-tabling. We are glad to see both of these policies have now been adopted, at least in part, by Government.
There is, however, more work to do.
A review during 2012 estimated there was twice as much demand for the program than there were places available. The same review found the program was so successful, that even amongst those who do not successfully complete the program, recidivism declines.
We are very keen to debate this bill, as well as any new opportunities a more diverse Parliament will provide for us to have input in improving this program more broadly.
Specifically, we’ll keep pushing for more funding for the program, so that participation numbers aren’t capped and more Tasmanians who need support can access the program.
