Ms PATTEN (Northern Metropolitan) (12:04:03) — My question is for the Minister for Families and Children. Minister, we know that alcohol and other drugs (AOD) treatment for young people works. Research indicates that each dollar spent on AOD treatment returns $8 in future savings to health and justice-related services. In another study it was found that residential rehabilitation achieves savings of over $200 000 when compared to prison. Residential rehabilitation is cheaper than prison and achieves better outcomes in reducing offending and improving health. Treatment means fewer young people are dependent; it means fewer overdoses, fewer deaths and a reduction in drug-related crime. I am aware that the Liberal Party has politicised Magistrate Bowles’s What Can Be Done? report and plan for residential rehabilitation —
Honourable members interjecting.
Ms PATTEN — Although I am pleased that they do support it. But her recommendations were supported in both —
Honourable members interjecting.
The PRESIDENT — Order! Thank you.
Ms PATTEN — Will the minister consider implementing these reforms in a non-custodial environment rather than at Cherry Creek?
Ms PATTEN (Northern Metropolitan) (12:09:19) — I note, Minister, that you actually did not answer the question, but you did boast that more young people are being detained under your government than under the previous government. I personally do not think that is something to boast about. This goes back to the issue that we know that if you put children into treatment, you get a far better outcome than if you put them into prison. I guess by way of supplementary I ask again: will you accept the Armytage-Ogloff recommendation that Magistrate Bowles’s recommendations for giving children treatment via the Children’s Court be adopted?
