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Calls for Dubbo drug court pick up
With the NSW state election next month, a local legal body has urged all political parties to formally commit to a Drug Court and Rehabilitation Centre for the western region as part of a strategy to reduce crime rates.
Emma Musgrave
Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) has called on all parties to formally commit to the court and centre, following the Law Society of NSW's plea to make Dubbo the home of the new premises.
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ALS deputy principal solicitor Emily Winborne said the proposed rehabilitation facility would create the necessary infrastructure for a much needed drug court for regional NSW, with it to address drug dependency through intensive court ordered and supervised rehabilitation.
“Drug courts are a relatively inexpensive way to reduce crime and incarceration rates, including addressing the over-incarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Ms Winborne said.
“Crime in Dubbo as well across the western region occurs in no small measure because insufficient investment has been made to address the social and criminal justice problems posed by offenders who are addicted to illicit substances.
“Dubbo Regional Council has taken a strong stance, but now we need the political parties and candidates contesting the state seat to formally commit their parties to both these projects. It is only if we get these firm commitments that we can be assured the necessary resources will flow."
