Consultation call on compulsory drug treatment

Saturday, 13 August 2016 
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• ​Community consultation begins on compulsory alcohol and drug treatment
• Call for community advisory group members

Mental Health Minister Andrea Mitchell today announced the first step in the process of drafting legislation to introduce compulsory alcohol and drug treatment in Western Australia.

Ms Mitchell said a community advisory group would be established to engage with the community and West Australians were invited to nominate for membership.

"The group will play a key role in consulting widely with a network of consumers, families and community members to develop an appropriate model of service and supporting legislation," she said. 

The group will include seven to 10 community members who have experienced their own alcohol or drug use problems, or have been affected by someone else's use, and can make a contribution based on those experiences.

The group will include consumers, Aboriginal people and people living in regional areas, to represent a broad range of experience.

"For most people, voluntary treatment either within the community or in voluntary residential care is appropriate, however for a small number of people, compulsory treatment may provide a better opportunity for assessment and effective treatment," the Minister said.

"The Liberal-National Government has heard the families and community members who are calling for more support and has acted promptly to pursue this additional response measure.

"In developing this legislation, it is important to find a model that best fits WA, while continuing to advance the range of other prevention and treatment initiatives the State Government already has in place to mitigate the harm caused by drugs and alcohol."

Ms Mitchell said the Mental Health Commission had reviewed compulsory treatment models in NSW, Victoria, Northern Territory and New Zealand to learn from their experiences.

The commission will consult with key stakeholders and is expected to release an Exposure Draft Bill for community consultation before the end of the year.

To apply, visit http://www.mhc.wa.gov.au

Fact File

• The Exposure Draft Bill will outline the proposed legislation for open discussion prior to its amendment, finalisation and tabling in State Parliament
• Voluntary services are a high priority, with $14.9 million invested into prevention, treatment and support services over two years as part of the WA Meth Strategy