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Latrobe Valley has four times higher drug crimes than Ballarat where a Drug Court is located but has not Drug Court itself says Russell Northe

Member for Morwell Russell Northe has this week in Parliament questioned Premier Daniel Andrews on when a Magistrates Drug Court might be established in the Latrobe Valley.

By news@gippsland - 9th May 2022 - Back to News

Mr Northe used Question Time to highlight the staggering statistics that drug possession and other related offences in the Latrobe Valley as being more than three and four times higher than other regional areas such as Ballarat where a Drug Court is located.

A decision will be made by a magistrate in relation to eligibility and suitability based on a wide range of factors

Drug court expansion

The state government has expanded the Drug Court program into the regional communities of Ballarat and Shepparton for which Mr Northe commended the government; however given the high incidence of drug and alcohol abuse and associated crime statistics, Mr Northe said the Latrobe Valley was overdue in being the beneficiary of a Drug Court.

"As the Premier noted in his response to my questions, Drug Courts are successful because they apply a therapeutic approach to the person and treat them from a health perspective rather than simply locking people up" Mr Northe said.

"Subsequently, reoffending rates are reduced, people are rebuilding their lives and money is being saved. KPMG reports indicate that there has been a 31% lower rate of reoffending for Drug Court participants compared to those going through the normal court process." Mr Northe continued.

Same opportunities available

Mr Northe said he had previously raised the matter of a Drug Court for the Latrobe Valley on a number of occasions and in various forum and platforms, and that he was buoyed by some of the Premiers comments.

"The Premier indicated that a trial was being undertaken presumably on the Ballarat and Shepparton Drug Courts, but that he wanted the same opportunities available for everyone who needed it. What I can say is that there are many in the Latrobe Valley who want and need it now and that is backed up by the evidence, statistics and support provided by police and service providers who work in the drug, alcohol and justice space" Mr Northe said.

Receiving strong support

Mr Northe said, "In 2013 the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) had called for the Drug Court model to be applied to all regions of Victoria. In my previous representations to the AttorneyGeneral I have received strong support from the Gippsland Primary Health Network, Australian Community Service Organisation (ACSO), Latrobe Community Health Services, Latrobe Health Advocate, Latrobe Health Assembly and Victoria Police for a Drug Court to be based in the Latrobe Valley."

"In 2021 Latrobe recorded 872 offences for drug possession at an LGA rate of 1148.7 per 100,000 population compared to Ballarat that recorded 305 offences for the same charge at an LGA rate of 269.1 per 100,000 population. Good on Ballarat for having a Drug Court in their community but the statistics clearly state that the Latrobe Valley desperately needs a Drug Court and urgently" Mr Northe concluded.

Imposing an order

The purpose of Drug Court is to impose and administer an order called a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Order (DATO). A DATO consists of two parts:

• Custodial: sentence of imprisonment - not exceeding two years - to be served in the community to allow the participant to receive drug and / or alcohol treatment
• Treatment and supervision: aims to address the participant's drug and / or alcohol dependency

The supervision of the participant is the responsibility of a Drug Court Magistrate. Support from case managers, clinical advisors, alcohol and drug counsellors, the police and Victoria Legal Aid is central in assisting participants achieve treatment and recovery goals. Participants on a DATO are required to:

• Attend and participate in regular appointments with the Drug Court
• Routinely submit to supervised drug and / or alcohol testing
• Attend Drug Court weekly
• Engage in drug and or alcohol, medical, psychiatric or psychological assessment and treatment
• Attend educational, vocational, employment or other programs
• Comply with conditions of the DATO, including residential and curfew conditions

Rewards and sanctions are used to encourage positive behaviour and address any non-compliance. Any non-compliance or reoffending may lead to the cancellation of a DATO.

Pictures from Magistrate's Court of Victoria website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  The Victorian Government is ensuring the right leadership is in place to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the Latrobe Valley.
• Delburn Wind Farm proposal seeks approval for 33 turbine wind energy facility in in the Strzelecki Ranges to south of Latrobe Valley
  The Delburn Wind Farm Pty Ltd seeks approval to develop a 33-turbine wind energy facility located in south-east Victoria, in the Strzelecki Ranges, to the south of the Latrobe Valley.
• Victorian women lost their job at nearly five times the rate of men during pandemic
  Government has a responsibility to ensure each and every Victorian has the best opportunity to recover and rebuild: mentally, socially and economically.
• Sharon Jervis, Jane Ponting and other locals thanked for East Gippsland Community Vision 2040 contribution
  East Gippsland residents who contributed to the development of the Community Vision 2040 earlier this year were on Tuesday celebrated for their contribution to the community.
• Russell Broadbent opposes federal parliament attempt to remove the Lord's Prayer
  Debate for the 'Lord's Prayer' to retain by the parliament.
• Community feedback for Traralgon Recreation Reserve and Showgrounds and Glenview Park precincts masterplans from Latrobe City Council
  Council has developed masterplans to redevelop the TRR&S and create a new community and events hub at Glenview park.
• Why Russell Broadbent used right to choose Ivermectin and vaccine alternatives to help recovery from his COVID-19 infection
  Russell Broadbent has been open and transparent about being COVID-19 vaccine free, becoming infected with COVID-19 and then his choice to use alternative treatments like Ivermectin against COVID-19.
• Russell Broadbent helps draw attention to staying safe and alive on farms through National Farm Safety Week
  Agricultural injury and fatality report that happens to the farmers in the farm.
• Russell Broadbent's Gippsland school leavers' guide for those graduating in 2021
  Assistance for graduates to have innovative solutions for their future.
• Russell Broadbent calls talks on a return to self-sufficiency
  Government to identify take responsibility for need to prioritise the citizens health and wellbeing.
• Free Trade Agreement: Russell Broadbent says our prosperity is in our hands
  Grabbing every trade opportunity to help boost the economy and also people who had lost their jobs due to industry closures.
• Easter feast of events in the Middle of Everywhere are set to kick off in Wellington Shire this April 2022
  From aviation and fashion to arts and music, with plenty for food and wine lovers to enjoy, the calendar of events will provide an economic boost to the region.
• Traralgon Recreation Reserve gets $2.75M for new facilities development as part of Victorian government 2022/23 budget
  Latrobe City Council has welcomed the Victorian government's budget contribution of $2.75 million towards developing new facilities at Traralgon Recreation Reserve (TRR), which is a key component of council's Traralgon Flood Recovery Project.
• Sarah Nation, Terry Russell and Sian Lawler winners of 2022 #LOVEGIPPSLAND calendar photos
  Local MP Darren Chester has announced the three winners of the 2022 #lovegippsland calendar competition.
• Message from Russell Broadbent on NAIDOC Week 2021
  Community is invited to support and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of the first people.
• New Maryvale Mill Energy from Waste Facility will add local jobs from federal government's $48.2M investment through Modern Manufacturing Initiative program
  Latrobe City Council welcomes the federal government's commitment of $48.2 million to the energy from waste facility at the Maryvale Mill through the Modern Manufacturing Initiative.
• Traralgon Railway Reservoir Conservation Reserve (TRRCR) transformed from barren paddock to historic gem in Latrobe City
  Over the past 30 years the Traralgon Railway Reservoir Conservation Reserve (TRRCR) has been transformed from a barren grazing paddock forgotten by time into an historic gem of Latrobe City.
• Andrew Giles MP promises $10M to Stage two of Gippsland Logistics Precinct project ahead of federal election
  Latrobe City Council has welcomed a $10 million election promise to progress the Gippsland Logistics Precinct from the Labor Party ahead of the Federal election.
• Everyone to enjoy Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre in Traralgon regardless of ability or language with introduction of Access Key
  Latrobe City Council delivers Access Key to customise accessibility to Gippsland Aquatic Centre (GRAC) in Traralgon
• Reopening of prolonged outage program was called out by Mr Northe as some residents still have no power after five days
  Member for Morwell Russell Northe has called upon the State Government to reopen the Prolonged Power Outage Program to assist residents who have been without power for many days and since storms battered parts of the State last Friday.
• Regional Victoria out of sixth lockdown but we cannot keep living like this
  Call for the government to roll out the rapid antigen test to protect the people as well as the businesses in Victoria.
• Andrews Labor Government provides more support service for LGBTIQ+ community in Morwell
  The Andrews Labor Government is providing more support to LGBTIQ+ Victorians and their family in the Latrobe Valleywith new free counselling at Anglicare Victoria.
• Crown Casino reform not complete until thorough investigation of Andrews Labor Government dealings
  Victorian Liberals and Nationals accept the recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Crown Casino today.
• Glengarry community invited to discuss updates to flood overlays and drainage on 17 March 2022
  In response to community interest, Latrobe City Council will hold a community open house session this week to discuss the proposed planning scheme Amendment C131.
• Tee-Up Golf Day 2021 in Traralgon raises $20,000 for suicide prevention and mental health with help of Russell Northe and Rotary Club
  Member for Morwell, Russell Northe has spoken of his pride with regards to the business and community support that was received for the 2021 Tee-Up for Mental Health Day to which Mr Northe co-hosted along with the Rotary Club of Traralgon.
• Youth Prevention and Recovery Care Centre (YPARC) at Parkville opened but not being used due to workforce shortages
  Under-staffed mental health services can't provide the care and preventative support Victorian kids so desperately need.
• Drouin biodiverse bushland reserve to be created by Baw Baw Shire Council from purchase of Roberts Court Bushland Reserve
  Baw Baw Shire Council has purchased a 10.53-hectare property in Drouin for the creation of a community bushland reserve.
• Victorians chance to win Lotto reduces from one in 47M to 1 in 63M thanks to Andrews Labor government
  The state Labor government has made a stingy and desperate grab for cash by making the lotto harder to win.
• Peter Walsh says Andrews government vaccine mandate for all Authorised Workers, including farmers is desperate and illogical
  Mandating COVID vaccinations to all farmers and authorised workers.
• Ombudsman says Andrews Labor government border permit scheme downright unjust and inhumane
  The Andrews Labor Government's border permit system has been labelled "downright unjust, even inhumane" in a scathing report released today by the Victorian Ombudsman.
• Proposed community hub for Glenview Park in Traralgon supported by Darren Chester
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester is supporting Latrobe City Council's proposal to establish a community hub and purpose built facility for local groups at Glenview Park in Traralgon.
• Reinstate density limits and not patron caps for safe reopening of regional hospitality venues
  Victorian Government has been urged to reinstate density limits, not patron caps, for the safe reopening of regional hospitality venues
• Bank street and Princes Highway intersection upgrade stall in Traralgon, Russell Northe shares his frustration
  Frustration on the delayed work completion for the intersection safety upgrades.
• Andrews Labor government to spend another $100M to axe local Victorian timber jobs
  Labor's native timber ban will leave more destruction and uncertainty for the Victoiran fafmilies and communities.
• Give your view on vaccines passports to Russell Broadbent for South and West Gippsland
  Invitation to share your thought and concerns about the vaccination passports
• Andrews Labor Government 'to work from home if possible' causing strain in many businesses within CBD's across Victoria says Russell Northe
  Member for Morwell Russell Northe submits questions to parliament for the minister for industry support and recovery.
• Victoria's Chief Psychiatrist again not involved in decision to extend hard lock down by three more weeks
  More youth are suffering mental ill-health because of Labor's extensive lockdowns.
• Tim Bull says Environment Minister Lily D'Ambrosio failure to ensure Buchan pool and East Cape Boardwalk are safe is disgraceful
  Lack of comprehension and no appetite from the government to reopen Buchan, also, lack of interest in reopening it has disappointed many in the community.
• Students in regional Victoria such as Gippsland should not have to endure more weeks locked out of the classroom
  Students in regional Victoria should not have to endure more weeks locked out of the classroom.
• Peter Walsh says financial support needed to revive Royal Melbourne Show competitions after being cancelled second year in a row
  Cancellation of the Royal Melbourne Show, is taking away good opportunities for the Victorian.
• Steph Ryan says Victoria's recovery roadmap must have hope for regional hospitality venues that are on their knees
  Victoria's roadmap to recovery must include hope for regional hospitality venues that are on their knees.
• Victorian growers need thousands - not hundreds - of workers to meet workforce demand
  An extended seasonal worker deal with Tasmania will finally deliver workers into Victoria, but it will do little to fill the yawning shortage of pickers across the state.
• Peter Walsh says rapid testing will help Melbourne and regions in Victoria like Gippsland open up and stay open
  Rapid COVID-19 testing as the key to put Victoria back on track.
• Tim Bull says Victorian protests should never be held at the Shrine of Remembrance
  Protesters violating the sanctity of the Shrine of Remembrance.
• Public schools ideal to support better mental wellbeing of Victorian students but not enough workers to deliver it
  A pledge to better support Victorian students to settle back into school after months of isolating lockdowns will only make a difference if there's enough mental health practitioners to deliver it.
• Darren Chester says lack of progress on road safety projects on Princes Highway from Rosedale to New South Wales is frustrating
  Local MP Darren Chester has expressed his frustration at the lack of progress on priority road projects in East Gippsland.
• Regions like Gippsland out of lockdown but it's the lockdown they didn't need to have
  Truth about the COVID-19 information hidden to the Victorians.
• One Gippsland says 2022/23 Victorian budget will help boost to recovery of region
  One Gippsland has welcomed the Victorian government's broader investment in health, economic recovery and support for First Nations Victorians.
• Strzelecki Highway between Morwell and Mirboo North gets $8.25M to improve safety and reduce travel time from Victorian 2022/23 budget
  The Andrews Labor government is improving safety and travel times along the Strzelecki Highway with a new overtaking lane along the key tourism and agricultural route.
• Russsel Broadbent says 'vale Shane Warne' and men have a lot to learn from him
  Watching Offsiders last Sunday, I was drawn to Gideon Haigh's response to the death of Shane Warne.
• Regional kids including Gippsland still locked out of the classroom, but the Andrew's Labor state government won't tell us why
  Andrews Labor Government's decision to force students in regional communities into remote learning.
• Worsening Victorian healthcare crisis and hospital workforce neglect has left another Gippsland family in mourning
  Tragically another Victorian has died as he waited more than three hours on an ambulance stretcher for emergency care.
• West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation becomes not-for-profit organisation in Bass Coast Shire
  Council working with West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation on the proposed transition to ensure the required governance changes do not affect the important service and to meet the needs and expectations of the growing community.