Judge Hits Out At Drug Programs
Newcastle Herald
Thursday November 13, 2008
A JUDGE has vented his frustration at the lack of funding and resources for rehabilitation in country jails and warned that "it's going to be worse if private industry takes over".
Judge John Nicholson SC was speaking candidly during the sentencing hearing yesterday of a long-term drug addict when he was "angered" that there are no compulsory rehabilitation programs in local jails."That's appalling," he said."If I were a Novocastrian I'd be asking what my member of parliament is doing."Judge Nicholson said he was hoping to send Nathaniel Robert Young, 25, to a drug rehabilitation program similar to one offered in western Sydney.However, when he learnt that no such program existed locally he criticised the lack of government funding for country NSW."The country, generally, has been poorly treated in this state," he said."We're meant to be living in a law and order state . . . [but funding] for law and order seems to stop at the court door."Who's the member of parliament here?"Judge Nicholson said he will now have to sentence Young to "an appropriate term of imprisonment" without intensive rehabilitation before Young is released and "back within a week".Judge Nicholson added: "There are some of us who think it's not a good thing" that the State Government intends to privatise Cessnock and Parklea jails.He said he had concerns because of "what has happened in the US" where some prisons have been privatised."It's going to get worse if private industry takes over," he said. Newcastle MP and Minister for the Hunter Jodi McKay rejected Judge Nicholson's comments."The Department of Corrective Services offers a suite of rehabilitation programs and I reject any suggestion they are inadequate," she said."Programs at Cessnock will not be cut. They will be maintained."Judge Nicholson will sentence Young today.Jail strike threat Page 11
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