Dubbo’s candidates for the 2019 state election have united behind the push for a drug court and associated rehabilitation services in the region.
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The Law Society of NSW this week released its 2019 State Election Platform, calling for a drug court to be trialled in Dubbo.
An upper house committee earlier this year recommended a boost in services for the city, and the five candidates are on a unity ticket.
“I am totally supportive of a drug court for Dubbo,” said Greens candidate Rod Pryor, who would also welcome a Koori Court.
“A drug court would of course have to be accompanied with a rehabilitation centre. It makes a lot of sense for these courts to be positioned in Dubbo due to its strategic geographic location servicing a wider area of NSW.”
Nationals candidate Dugald Saunders said he raised the matter with the attorney-general during his recent visit.
“This is something I am passionate about,” Mr Saunders said.
“I welcome the Law Society’s support, and I will personally be pushing this for our community.”
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate Lara Quealy was “definitely” in support of a drug court, while independent Mathew Dickerson has requested a briefing from the Law Society, for more information about the cost-effectiveness of a drug court and associated services.
”As I have travelled the electorate, it has been blatantly clear that crime is a major issue for many residents,” Mr Dickerson said.
“There is also no doubt that drugs are a major scourge on our society and the negative impacts of drug use are evident throughout the electorate.
“If it can be clearly demonstrated that a drug court and associated services in Dubbo will reduce the number of drug-related offences and reduce recidivism, the Law Society has my full commitment to piloting a drug court alongside appropriate services in Dubbo.”
Country Labor’s Stephen Lawrence said his party’s “formal election commitment” would be made “down the track”, but pledged to “fight for and secure this service” if elected.
“I have seen too many young lives wasted and too many people devastated by drug-related crime,” he said.
I have fought on these issues at the local and state level. Council has recently submitted a business case for a drug rehab centre to the state government. Such a centre is a key component of a drug court. This followed a process that I led. I will not be giving up on it.”