DRUG COURT ON, FEMALE JAIL OFF

THE West Australian Justice Ministry has commissioned a feasibility study
into establishing a law court to deal with drug addicts.

The move follows plans in NSW to begin a $5 million two-year trial of a
drug court in Parramatta.

The West Australian newspaper reported at the weekend that Edith Cowan
University would conduct the feasibility study for the Perth-based drug
court, where drug addicts are sentenced to rehabilitation instead of jail
terms for minor offences.

The university is expected to report to the ministry in the new year.

Meanwhile, about 150 residents from the eastern Perth suburb of Eden Hill
staged a protest rally yesterday against a ministry proposal to build
Western Australia's second women's prison at an unused government site in
the suburb.

Angry residents said building a prison in the area would trigger a rise in
crime and devalue their homes.

Checked-by: Richard Lake