❓ WA Police operates an all-drug diversion program for first-time offenders (excluding cannabis) since 2004, based on harm reduction. The policy document will be tabled later.
AnsweredQoN 289Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
ILLICIT DRUGS - DIVERSION POLICY
My question relates to the possession of illicit drugs in Western Australia. (1) Can the minister confirm whether the Western Australia Police is operating under a policy based on an illicit drug diversion initiative when dealing with amphetamine possession? (2) If so, when was the policy introduced? (3) Can the minister confirm whether this initiative is based on harm reduction methods? (4) Will the minister table this policy in Parliament? Hon JON FORD
My question relates to the possession of illicit drugs in Western Australia. (1) Can the minister confirm whether the Western Australia Police is operating under a policy based on an illicit drug diversion initiative when dealing with amphetamine possession? (2) If so, when was the policy introduced? (3) Can the minister confirm whether this initiative is based on harm reduction methods? (4) Will the minister table this policy in Parliament? Hon JON FORD
AnswerView source ↗
I thank Hon Murray Criddle for some notice of the question. The Minister for Police and Emergency Services has provided the following answer - (1) Yes. The all-drug diversion program, which is part of the Council of Australian Governments’ illicit drug diversion initiative, is in place for strictly adult, first-time drug offenders with no violent criminal history who are found to be in possession of drugs other than cannabis. It is designed to provide police with an alternative option when dealing with first-time or early drug offenders. There is a strict limitation on the amount of drugs the offender can have in his or her possession. The prescribed amounts are one-quarter of the prescribed amount as listed in schedule V of the Misuse of Drugs Act and two or fewer tablets or tabs. The drug must be for personal use and the offender has to admit the offence. The offender must then attend three treatment sessions within 28 days with a community drug service team. If the treatment is not attended, the offender is summonsed for the original drug offence. (2) The all-drug diversion program was implemented statewide on 1 January 2004. (3) Yes. Harm minimisation is considered to be an effective means of reducing drug-related harm to individuals, families and communities. (4) Yes. Due to the short notice given for this question, I have been unable to obtain a copy. However, I will table this document at a later date.
(1) Can the minister confirm whether the Western Australia Police is operating under a policy based on an illicit drug diversion initiative when dealing with amphetamine possession? (2) If so, when was the policy introduced? (3) Can the minister confirm whether this initiative is based on harm reduction methods? (4) Will the minister table this policy in Parliament? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Murray Criddle for some notice of the question. The Minister for Police and Emergency Services has provided the following answer - (1) Yes. The all-drug diversion program, which is part of the Council of Australian Governments’ illicit drug diversion initiative, is in place for strictly adult, first-time drug offenders with no violent criminal history who are found to be in possession of drugs other than cannabis. It is designed to provide police with an alternative option when dealing with first-time or early drug offenders. There is a strict limitation on the amount of drugs the offender can have in his or her possession. The prescribed amounts are one-quarter of the prescribed amount as listed in schedule V of the Misuse of Drugs Act and two or fewer tablets or tabs. The drug must be for personal use and the offender has to admit the offence. The offender must then attend three treatment sessions within 28 days with a community drug service team. If the treatment is not attended, the offender is summonsed for the original drug offence. (2) The all-drug diversion program was implemented statewide on 1 January 2004. (3) Yes. Harm minimisation is considered to be an effective means of reducing drug-related harm to individuals, families and communities. (4) Yes. Due to the short notice given for this question, I have been unable to obtain a copy. However, I will table this document at a later date.
(2) If so, when was the policy introduced? (3) Can the minister confirm whether this initiative is based on harm reduction methods? (4) Will the minister table this policy in Parliament? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Murray Criddle for some notice of the question. The Minister for Police and Emergency Services has provided the following answer - (1) Yes. The all-drug diversion program, which is part of the Council of Australian Governments’ illicit drug diversion initiative, is in place for strictly adult, first-time drug offenders with no violent criminal history who are found to be in possession of drugs other than cannabis. It is designed to provide police with an alternative option when dealing with first-time or early drug offenders. There is a strict limitation on the amount of drugs the offender can have in his or her possession. The prescribed amounts are one-quarter of the prescribed amount as listed in schedule V of the Misuse of Drugs Act and two or fewer tablets or tabs. The drug must be for personal use and the offender has to admit the offence. The offender must then attend three treatment sessions within 28 days with a community drug service team. If the treatment is not attended, the offender is summonsed for the original drug offence. (2) The all-drug diversion program was implemented statewide on 1 January 2004. (3) Yes. Harm minimisation is considered to be an effective means of reducing drug-related harm to individuals, families and communities. (4) Yes. Due to the short notice given for this question, I have been unable to obtain a copy. However, I will table this document at a later date.
(3) Can the minister confirm whether this initiative is based on harm reduction methods? (4) Will the minister table this policy in Parliament? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Murray Criddle for some notice of the question. The Minister for Police and Emergency Services has provided the following answer - (1) Yes. The all-drug diversion program, which is part of the Council of Australian Governments’ illicit drug diversion initiative, is in place for strictly adult, first-time drug offenders with no violent criminal history who are found to be in possession of drugs other than cannabis. It is designed to provide police with an alternative option when dealing with first-time or early drug offenders. There is a strict limitation on the amount of drugs the offender can have in his or her possession. The prescribed amounts are one-quarter of the prescribed amount as listed in schedule V of the Misuse of Drugs Act and two or fewer tablets or tabs. The drug must be for personal use and the offender has to admit the offence. The offender must then attend three treatment sessions within 28 days with a community drug service team. If the treatment is not attended, the offender is summonsed for the original drug offence. (2) The all-drug diversion program was implemented statewide on 1 January 2004. (3) Yes. Harm minimisation is considered to be an effective means of reducing drug-related harm to individuals, families and communities. (4) Yes. Due to the short notice given for this question, I have been unable to obtain a copy. However, I will table this document at a later date.
(4) Will the minister table this policy in Parliament? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Murray Criddle for some notice of the question. The Minister for Police and Emergency Services has provided the following answer - (1) Yes. The all-drug diversion program, which is part of the Council of Australian Governments’ illicit drug diversion initiative, is in place for strictly adult, first-time drug offenders with no violent criminal history who are found to be in possession of drugs other than cannabis. It is designed to provide police with an alternative option when dealing with first-time or early drug offenders. There is a strict limitation on the amount of drugs the offender can have in his or her possession. The prescribed amounts are one-quarter of the prescribed amount as listed in schedule V of the Misuse of Drugs Act and two or fewer tablets or tabs. The drug must be for personal use and the offender has to admit the offence. The offender must then attend three treatment sessions within 28 days with a community drug service team. If the treatment is not attended, the offender is summonsed for the original drug offence. (2) The all-drug diversion program was implemented statewide on 1 January 2004. (3) Yes. Harm minimisation is considered to be an effective means of reducing drug-related harm to individuals, families and communities. (4) Yes. Due to the short notice given for this question, I have been unable to obtain a copy. However, I will table this document at a later date.
Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Murray Criddle for some notice of the question. The Minister for Police and Emergency Services has provided the following answer - (1) Yes. The all-drug diversion program, which is part of the Council of Australian Governments’ illicit drug diversion initiative, is in place for strictly adult, first-time drug offenders with no violent criminal history who are found to be in possession of drugs other than cannabis. It is designed to provide police with an alternative option when dealing with first-time or early drug offenders. There is a strict limitation on the amount of drugs the offender can have in his or her possession. The prescribed amounts are one-quarter of the prescribed amount as listed in schedule V of the Misuse of Drugs Act and two or fewer tablets or tabs. The drug must be for personal use and the offender has to admit the offence. The offender must then attend three treatment sessions within 28 days with a community drug service team. If the treatment is not attended, the offender is summonsed for the original drug offence. (2) The all-drug diversion program was implemented statewide on 1 January 2004. (3) Yes. Harm minimisation is considered to be an effective means of reducing drug-related harm to individuals, families and communities. (4) Yes. Due to the short notice given for this question, I have been unable to obtain a copy. However, I will table this document at a later date.
I thank Hon Murray Criddle for some notice of the question. The Minister for Police and Emergency Services has provided the following answer - (1) Yes. The all-drug diversion program, which is part of the Council of Australian Governments’ illicit drug diversion initiative, is in place for strictly adult, first-time drug offenders with no violent criminal history who are found to be in possession of drugs other than cannabis. It is designed to provide police with an alternative option when dealing with first-time or early drug offenders. There is a strict limitation on the amount of drugs the offender can have in his or her possession. The prescribed amounts are one-quarter of the prescribed amount as listed in schedule V of the Misuse of Drugs Act and two or fewer tablets or tabs. The drug must be for personal use and the offender has to admit the offence. The offender must then attend three treatment sessions within 28 days with a community drug service team. If the treatment is not attended, the offender is summonsed for the original drug offence. (2) The all-drug diversion program was implemented statewide on 1 January 2004. (3) Yes. Harm minimisation is considered to be an effective means of reducing drug-related harm to individuals, families and communities. (4) Yes. Due to the short notice given for this question, I have been unable to obtain a copy. However, I will table this document at a later date.
(1) Yes. The all-drug diversion program, which is part of the Council of Australian Governments’ illicit drug diversion initiative, is in place for strictly adult, first-time drug offenders with no violent criminal history who are found to be in possession of drugs other than cannabis. It is designed to provide police with an alternative option when dealing with first-time or early drug offenders. There is a strict limitation on the amount of drugs the offender can have in his or her possession. The prescribed amounts are one-quarter of the prescribed amount as listed in schedule V of the Misuse of Drugs Act and two or fewer tablets or tabs. The drug must be for personal use and the offender has to admit the offence. The offender must then attend three treatment sessions within 28 days with a community drug service team. If the treatment is not attended, the offender is summonsed for the original drug offence. (2) The all-drug diversion program was implemented statewide on 1 January 2004. (3) Yes. Harm minimisation is considered to be an effective means of reducing drug-related harm to individuals, families and communities. (4) Yes. Due to the short notice given for this question, I have been unable to obtain a copy. However, I will table this document at a later date.
(2) The all-drug diversion program was implemented statewide on 1 January 2004. (3) Yes. Harm minimisation is considered to be an effective means of reducing drug-related harm to individuals, families and communities. (4) Yes. Due to the short notice given for this question, I have been unable to obtain a copy. However, I will table this document at a later date.
(3) Yes. Harm minimisation is considered to be an effective means of reducing drug-related harm to individuals, families and communities. (4) Yes. Due to the short notice given for this question, I have been unable to obtain a copy. However, I will table this document at a later date.
(4) Yes. Due to the short notice given for this question, I have been unable to obtain a copy. However, I will table this document at a later date.
(1) Can the minister confirm whether the Western Australia Police is operating under a policy based on an illicit drug diversion initiative when dealing with amphetamine possession? (2) If so, when was the policy introduced? (3) Can the minister confirm whether this initiative is based on harm reduction methods? (4) Will the minister table this policy in Parliament? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Murray Criddle for some notice of the question. The Minister for Police and Emergency Services has provided the following answer - (1) Yes. The all-drug diversion program, which is part of the Council of Australian Governments’ illicit drug diversion initiative, is in place for strictly adult, first-time drug offenders with no violent criminal history who are found to be in possession of drugs other than cannabis. It is designed to provide police with an alternative option when dealing with first-time or early drug offenders. There is a strict limitation on the amount of drugs the offender can have in his or her possession. The prescribed amounts are one-quarter of the prescribed amount as listed in schedule V of the Misuse of Drugs Act and two or fewer tablets or tabs. The drug must be for personal use and the offender has to admit the offence. The offender must then attend three treatment sessions within 28 days with a community drug service team. If the treatment is not attended, the offender is summonsed for the original drug offence. (2) The all-drug diversion program was implemented statewide on 1 January 2004. (3) Yes. Harm minimisation is considered to be an effective means of reducing drug-related harm to individuals, families and communities. (4) Yes. Due to the short notice given for this question, I have been unable to obtain a copy. However, I will table this document at a later date.
(2) If so, when was the policy introduced? (3) Can the minister confirm whether this initiative is based on harm reduction methods? (4) Will the minister table this policy in Parliament? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Murray Criddle for some notice of the question. The Minister for Police and Emergency Services has provided the following answer - (1) Yes. The all-drug diversion program, which is part of the Council of Australian Governments’ illicit drug diversion initiative, is in place for strictly adult, first-time drug offenders with no violent criminal history who are found to be in possession of drugs other than cannabis. It is designed to provide police with an alternative option when dealing with first-time or early drug offenders. There is a strict limitation on the amount of drugs the offender can have in his or her possession. The prescribed amounts are one-quarter of the prescribed amount as listed in schedule V of the Misuse of Drugs Act and two or fewer tablets or tabs. The drug must be for personal use and the offender has to admit the offence. The offender must then attend three treatment sessions within 28 days with a community drug service team. If the treatment is not attended, the offender is summonsed for the original drug offence. (2) The all-drug diversion program was implemented statewide on 1 January 2004. (3) Yes. Harm minimisation is considered to be an effective means of reducing drug-related harm to individuals, families and communities. (4) Yes. Due to the short notice given for this question, I have been unable to obtain a copy. However, I will table this document at a later date.
(3) Can the minister confirm whether this initiative is based on harm reduction methods? (4) Will the minister table this policy in Parliament? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Murray Criddle for some notice of the question. The Minister for Police and Emergency Services has provided the following answer - (1) Yes. The all-drug diversion program, which is part of the Council of Australian Governments’ illicit drug diversion initiative, is in place for strictly adult, first-time drug offenders with no violent criminal history who are found to be in possession of drugs other than cannabis. It is designed to provide police with an alternative option when dealing with first-time or early drug offenders. There is a strict limitation on the amount of drugs the offender can have in his or her possession. The prescribed amounts are one-quarter of the prescribed amount as listed in schedule V of the Misuse of Drugs Act and two or fewer tablets or tabs. The drug must be for personal use and the offender has to admit the offence. The offender must then attend three treatment sessions within 28 days with a community drug service team. If the treatment is not attended, the offender is summonsed for the original drug offence. (2) The all-drug diversion program was implemented statewide on 1 January 2004. (3) Yes. Harm minimisation is considered to be an effective means of reducing drug-related harm to individuals, families and communities. (4) Yes. Due to the short notice given for this question, I have been unable to obtain a copy. However, I will table this document at a later date.
(4) Will the minister table this policy in Parliament? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Murray Criddle for some notice of the question. The Minister for Police and Emergency Services has provided the following answer - (1) Yes. The all-drug diversion program, which is part of the Council of Australian Governments’ illicit drug diversion initiative, is in place for strictly adult, first-time drug offenders with no violent criminal history who are found to be in possession of drugs other than cannabis. It is designed to provide police with an alternative option when dealing with first-time or early drug offenders. There is a strict limitation on the amount of drugs the offender can have in his or her possession. The prescribed amounts are one-quarter of the prescribed amount as listed in schedule V of the Misuse of Drugs Act and two or fewer tablets or tabs. The drug must be for personal use and the offender has to admit the offence. The offender must then attend three treatment sessions within 28 days with a community drug service team. If the treatment is not attended, the offender is summonsed for the original drug offence. (2) The all-drug diversion program was implemented statewide on 1 January 2004. (3) Yes. Harm minimisation is considered to be an effective means of reducing drug-related harm to individuals, families and communities. (4) Yes. Due to the short notice given for this question, I have been unable to obtain a copy. However, I will table this document at a later date.
Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Murray Criddle for some notice of the question. The Minister for Police and Emergency Services has provided the following answer - (1) Yes. The all-drug diversion program, which is part of the Council of Australian Governments’ illicit drug diversion initiative, is in place for strictly adult, first-time drug offenders with no violent criminal history who are found to be in possession of drugs other than cannabis. It is designed to provide police with an alternative option when dealing with first-time or early drug offenders. There is a strict limitation on the amount of drugs the offender can have in his or her possession. The prescribed amounts are one-quarter of the prescribed amount as listed in schedule V of the Misuse of Drugs Act and two or fewer tablets or tabs. The drug must be for personal use and the offender has to admit the offence. The offender must then attend three treatment sessions within 28 days with a community drug service team. If the treatment is not attended, the offender is summonsed for the original drug offence. (2) The all-drug diversion program was implemented statewide on 1 January 2004. (3) Yes. Harm minimisation is considered to be an effective means of reducing drug-related harm to individuals, families and communities. (4) Yes. Due to the short notice given for this question, I have been unable to obtain a copy. However, I will table this document at a later date.
I thank Hon Murray Criddle for some notice of the question. The Minister for Police and Emergency Services has provided the following answer - (1) Yes. The all-drug diversion program, which is part of the Council of Australian Governments’ illicit drug diversion initiative, is in place for strictly adult, first-time drug offenders with no violent criminal history who are found to be in possession of drugs other than cannabis. It is designed to provide police with an alternative option when dealing with first-time or early drug offenders. There is a strict limitation on the amount of drugs the offender can have in his or her possession. The prescribed amounts are one-quarter of the prescribed amount as listed in schedule V of the Misuse of Drugs Act and two or fewer tablets or tabs. The drug must be for personal use and the offender has to admit the offence. The offender must then attend three treatment sessions within 28 days with a community drug service team. If the treatment is not attended, the offender is summonsed for the original drug offence. (2) The all-drug diversion program was implemented statewide on 1 January 2004. (3) Yes. Harm minimisation is considered to be an effective means of reducing drug-related harm to individuals, families and communities. (4) Yes. Due to the short notice given for this question, I have been unable to obtain a copy. However, I will table this document at a later date.
(1) Yes. The all-drug diversion program, which is part of the Council of Australian Governments’ illicit drug diversion initiative, is in place for strictly adult, first-time drug offenders with no violent criminal history who are found to be in possession of drugs other than cannabis. It is designed to provide police with an alternative option when dealing with first-time or early drug offenders. There is a strict limitation on the amount of drugs the offender can have in his or her possession. The prescribed amounts are one-quarter of the prescribed amount as listed in schedule V of the Misuse of Drugs Act and two or fewer tablets or tabs. The drug must be for personal use and the offender has to admit the offence. The offender must then attend three treatment sessions within 28 days with a community drug service team. If the treatment is not attended, the offender is summonsed for the original drug offence. (2) The all-drug diversion program was implemented statewide on 1 January 2004. (3) Yes. Harm minimisation is considered to be an effective means of reducing drug-related harm to individuals, families and communities. (4) Yes. Due to the short notice given for this question, I have been unable to obtain a copy. However, I will table this document at a later date.
(2) The all-drug diversion program was implemented statewide on 1 January 2004. (3) Yes. Harm minimisation is considered to be an effective means of reducing drug-related harm to individuals, families and communities. (4) Yes. Due to the short notice given for this question, I have been unable to obtain a copy. However, I will table this document at a later date.
(3) Yes. Harm minimisation is considered to be an effective means of reducing drug-related harm to individuals, families and communities. (4) Yes. Due to the short notice given for this question, I have been unable to obtain a copy. However, I will table this document at a later date.
(4) Yes. Due to the short notice given for this question, I have been unable to obtain a copy. However, I will table this document at a later date.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.