THOUSANDS OPT FOR DRUGS COUNSELLING

MORE than 7000 people caught with cannabis have faced a counsellor instead
of a magistrate.

A police diversion program allows first-time offenders caught with less
than 50g of cannabis to avoid charges if they have counselling.

The State Government introduced the program in June 2001 as part of a
national strategy to cut the number of people in contact with the criminal
justice system. More than 9000 Queensland offenders have so far asked to
take part in the program, at an average of 476 people a month.

But 20 per cent, or about 1800 people, have flouted the program's rules and
failed to show up for counselling.

Offenders who refuse to attend counselling cannot be charged with the
original drug offences and instead face only a charge of disobeying a
police order.

The State Government could not reveal how many who escaped charges had gone
on to re-offend.

Re-offending figures would provide the most accurate measure of the
program's success.

The program involves offenders going to a two-hour counselling session
which focuses on the negative effects of cannabis use and the reasons for use.

People found to be drug dependant are offered a further six weeks counselling.

Police Minister Tony McGrady said 77 per cent of people in the program had
been caught with less than 5g of cannabis.

"With recent studies finding over 2/3 of prisoners were incarcerated
because of drug-related crime, it is more important than ever to try and
stop people developing addictions which can lead them into crime," he said.
"The figures indicate the program is achieving its goal of diverting minor
drug offenders to counselling, offering them an opportunity to address
their drug use."

The program is part of a slow revolution in the way Queensland deals with
drug offenders.

In a new trial due to start in Brisbane next month people caught with small
amounts of drugs such as ecstasy, speed and heroin will be offered
counselling instead of penalties. The Illicit Drugs Court Diversion Program
will permit magistrates to impose orders that offenders attend a drug
assessment and education session.

Attendance will mean no conviction is recorded, while failing to show up
will see the offender returned to court to be sentenced for the original
drug offence.

The order will apply to drugs including 1g or less of ecstasy, 1g of
amphetamines, 1g of heroin and 1g of cocaine.

The program will not be available to people with previous convictions for
serious drug offences or violence and sex offences.

The new program will be on top of the drug courts trial in southeast and
north Queensland.

In the trial, people charged with drug-related offences such as break and
enters will be offered rehabilitation instead of a prison term.

In the cannabis diversion program, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation handles
counselling for about 45 per cent of offenders.

The foundation's chief executive, Bob Aldred, said the program was "much
much better than putting people through the courts".

"One of the worst things about cannabis is probably the criminal record a
young person gets."

Craig Carmichael Project Manager Qld. Alcohol & Drug Research & Education
Centre The University of Queensland Public Health Building Herston Road
HERSTON QLD 4006