Housing adds to drug crisis
TASMANIA’S court mandated diversion program, which helps drug addicts turn away from crime, is being hampered by the state’s housing crisis.
The program offers offenders treatment for drug use instead of a prison sentence but they must have secure accommodation to participate.
Magistrate Glenn Hay, who has been involved with the program since it started in the Hobart Magistrates Court about 11 years ago, told the Mercury the accommodation situation was worsening.
“We see a particular problem with people in custody unable to secure suitable accommodation,” Mr Hay said.
“Eligible people can’t go onto the program unless they have stable accommodation.
He said emergency housing, such as Bethlehem House, could be difficult to get.
“Sometimes they’ve got to wait for a month, two months, three months, so they stay in custody for that period of time until they can get a bed … it’s a major problem.
“The situation is noticeably worsening and we are seeing more participants lose their accommodation and struggle to find alternatives.
“More emergency housing is a starting point and would be terrific but it’s an absolute necessity and some people just can’t go on to the program because they just can’t get ac- commodation. It is very concerning to see such people remaining in prison.”
Housing Minister Roger Jaensch said this week the Government’s targets to provide more social housing, increase home ownership and unlock more land for new homes were on track to be achieved by June 2019.
“Rapid Rehousing continues to provide safe and affordable private rental accommodation to those vulnerable households escaping family violence, with 119 households assisted to date,” he said. “We have opened a nine-unit youth-at-risk facility in Moonah and a 25-unit youth supported accommodation facility in Devonport, targeted particularly at young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
He said overall, 110 new units of homeless accommodation have so far been provided.
Mr Hay said the court mandated diversion program — not considered an easy option for drug offenders — currently helped 120 people — up from 80 about a year ago. “The program is by no means a ‘get out of jail free card’,” Mr Hay said.
If a participant does not comply with strict program conditions, including drug testing and almost daily appointments, they are sanctioned with days of imprisonment.
“It aims to turn lives around; to take a different, problem-solving approach to the most difficult cases in which all previous efforts made by courts to address offending behaviour have failed.”