Funding Announcement Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) for DIRECTIONS ACT
Canberra
Thursday 24 September 2009, 11.30am
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
Acknowledgements
First, may I acknowledge the Ngunnawal people the traditional owners of the land we meet on – and pay my respects to their elders, both past and present.
Other Acknowledgements
Senator Kate Lundy – Senator for the ACT
Carol Mead – Executive Director DIRECTIONS ACT
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
Introduction
It is a great pleasure to join you today and thank you for your welcome. I would particularly like to thank Carol Mead, Executive Director and her team for hosting this event today. Assisting Drug Dependents Inc, better known as DIRECTIONS ACT, has made a tremendous contribution in promoting the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities affected by alcohol and other drugs throughout the region. For over 20 years, the organisation has provided assistance to individuals and families in need, and through its work the organisation has also made a positive and lasting impact on the community.
For example, through the organisation’s dedication and drive, and with support from the Australian Government, the Althea Wellness Centre is now open. This clinic enables clients and their families with alcohol and other drug issues to be seen by a GP and access further health care at no or very low cost. The Arcadia House Detoxification and Withdrawal Centre is another important program benefiting the ACT community. People wanting to stop their alcohol and other drug use can do so in a safe detoxification program without medication in a supportive and therapeutic environment. DIRECTIONS ACT also provides counselling and community education as well as other valuable services. It is because of these initiatives and its strong sense of purpose and dedication that this organisation has become a leading provider with one of the most comprehensive services in the region. It is this same commitment to provide comprehensive alcohol and drug rehabilitation services to those in need that brings us here today.
Proceeds of Crime
Today I am here to congratulate DIRECTIONS ACT and announce the launch of its project under the Government’s Proceeds of Crime grants program. By way of background, in 2002, the Proceeds of Crime Act was passed and came into operation the following year. The Act provides a scheme to trace, restrain and confiscate the proceeds of crime against Commonwealth Law.
One of the very useful aspects of the Act is that it enables the Government to use the funds from the proceeds of crime and them back into the community to help with crime prevention, law enforcement, and drug treatment and diversion. Earlier this year my predecessor, Bob Debus, announced a nation wide funding round under the Act, and invited non-government organisations like DIRECTIONS ACT to apply for funding. The response was huge, attracting over 600 applications. I was pleased to see such strong interest from community groups all around the country. It also fills me with great pride and hope to know so many people take an active interest in preventing crime, reducing anti-social behaviour and generally working towards the betterment of their communities. The support and commitment from local organisations like DIRECTIONS ACT is vital to ensuring local crime prevention issues are raised and addressed. Prisoner re-offending rates in Australia is one such important issue.
Recidivism and Re-offending
A 2007 study on recidivism in Australia by the Australian Institute of Criminology found that almost two in every three prisoners in the country had previously been in jail. It also found that between 35% and 41% of prisoners will be reimprisoned within two years of being released. The findings in relation to juvenile detainees are similarly disheartening. More than half of juveniles released from detention will be reconvicted within six months of their release. Juvenile detainees are also likely to be reconvicted of new offences much sooner than adult prisoners. Given the high rates of re-offending and what we now know to be a strong causal connection between drug and alcohol misuse and crime, more needs to be done. We need to break that cycle.
Funding Announcement
Today, more will be done, as it is my great pleasure to announce funding of $485,000 to DIRECTIONS ACT for the Inside Out Throughcare Program.
This grant will enable the organisation to provide pre and post release assistance and support to remandees and prisoners at the new Alexander Maconochie Centre in Symonston. This program will help inmates affected by drug and alcohol use to access the support and treatment services they need. Prisoners will be provided with referral pathways for treatment, information services and support for themselves and their families. In this way, the program’s clients will have the best opportunity to address their addiction and through that reduce the likelihood of re-offending. I know that DIRECTIONS ACT, the participants and their families will work together to make this project a success and give participants every opportunity to make a productive return to the community. In the coming weeks I will be making further announcements about recipients of funding in other Australian communities under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Conclusion
The mission of DIRECTIONS ACT is to maximise the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by substance misuse, and reduce the harmful effects of illicit drug use in the ACT. It is a vision that the Government shares. I look forward to hearing about the successes that flow from the Inside Out Throughcare Program, and on behalf of the Government, I wish you well in all your endeavours.
