DRUGS AND CRIME: A WAY OUT OF THE CYCLE

YOUNG first offenders and those caught with small amounts of hard drugs
face treatment or jail under a radical national plan to curb illicit drug use.

Unveiling a national illicit drugs diversion program in Sydney, John Howard
said yesterday the new $110 million scheme would enable police to refer
minor or first-time offenders who would otherwise face jail terms, to
rehabilitation, detoxification and education programs in an effort to deter
them entering a life of crime.

But if they failed to co-operate they could be dealt with by the courts and
face jail sentences.

Under the scheme drug offenders will have to sign written contracts to
attend the courses.

However, traffickers and long-term drug users committing crimes will
continue to be dealt with by the courts.

"For the first time there will be a nationwide approach whereby minor drug
offenders can have the option of treatment and/or education rather than
getting caught up in the criminal justice system," Mr Howard said.

"It will give police the formal power to direct those found using or in
possession of drugs away from the criminal justice system."

The "harm minimisation" initiative is part of the Government's $220 million
tough-on-drugs strategy and was agreed to by state and territory leaders in
April.

The Howard Government has since set down conditions for funding and the
states have extended or developed existing programs to qualify.

Health Minister Michael Wooldridge said yesterday it was "clinically proven
that if you can reach a drug user before the addiction becomes full blown .
. . you have a better chance of stopping the drug use".

"Diverting people caught with a small amount of illicit drugs also gives
people an incentive to address their drug use problem, in many cases before
incurring a criminal record," he said.

Alcohol and Other Drugs Council national president Professor Ian Webster
said "sending drug users to court or prison does not help reduce drug
problems".

"However, if we can get the drug users into appropriate treatment and other
programs instead of going to court, we can reduce both drug taking and
crime," he said.

The National Council on Drugs also gave strong endorsement to the
initiative. Chairman Brian Watters said diversion was important for
first-time offenders in trying to stop "their progression into a cycle of
crime".