Ash Bolt
Western Victoria MP Bev McArthur has used parliament to call on the state government to establish a dedicated drug court in Geelong.
Speaking in parliament last week, Mrs McArthur asked attorney-general Jaclyn Symes to explain why Geelong was still without a specialist drug court despite the Law Reform, Drugs and Crime Prevention parliamentary committee recommending one as a measure to address the impacts of ice in 2014.
“There is now a significant problem with drug-related crime in Geelong, Colac and surrounding areas, involving particularly, the use of ice,” she said.
“The effect of this crime on individuals, families and whole communities is devastating.
“What is happening? The problem remains, yet no solution has been proposed by this government for Geelong.”
Mrs McArthur said it was particularly disappointing Geelong was missing out, with the government funding drug courts in Dandenong and Melbourne this year, following a $35 million commitment to drug courts in Ballarat and Shepparton last year.
“All the while, we hear about its funding for drug courts in Melbourne, inside the tram tracks, but still nothing for Geelong,” she said.
“Geelong residents, and those of the region, especially victims of this drug-related crime also need care and attention.
“What will be spent in Geelong to achieve this?”
Mrs McArthur said she had also posed questions about a Geelong drug court to Court Services Victoria chief executive Louise Anderson in recent Public Accounts and Estimates Committee hearings.
She said Ms Anderson indicated that “if there is the demand” CSV would be open to “contemplating” a drug court in Geelong but that it would be a matter of consultation between the “government and the court”.
“There is demand,” Mrs McArthur said.
