Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the Attorney for his answer. I have one more quick comment to make, not to hold up this bill, and also a question or something for the government to consider. I think it is important to put it on the record. If the government could give an idea—and I am happy for this to be taken on notice—as to what is expected in terms of the additional amounts in unexplained wealth that could be seized.

I do not think anyone can say that I am a great fan of the South Australian government on a number of issues, but they did come up with some interesting legislation that has since lapsed, last year, that extended the seizure of assets of those convicted of trafficking commercial quantities of drugs and, if it was a prescribed drug offender, whether it also involved the seizure of assets not related to their drug trafficking. That is something the South Australian government was committed to.

My state colleague, the Hon. John Darley was supportive of that. It has since lapsed. But an issue was raised by the honourable Mr Darley in the context of that as to being able to provide some of the funds for appropriate, effective drug rehabilitation, because the feedback I get from constituents, from those who have been affected by a serious drug problem, is that there just simply are not the resources and the funding for that.

I simply say this to the Attorney to flag the issue, because I think this will be revisited. Firstly, will the Attorney on notice indicate whether any consideration has been given to the South Australian government's approach, since lapsed, of a broader application of the seizure of assets—in other words, the 'all bets are off' approach, which some would say is draconian and others would say would act as a real deterrent. Also, most importantly for me, whether any of the assets seized are being hypothecated to an extent for drug rehabilitation. I have to say to the Attorney, through you, Chair, that I have heard heartbreaking stories from people who have contacted me: those who have a serious substance abuse problem and who cannot get assistance; families with a son who has a raging heroin addiction; and others who have been gripped by crystal methamphetamine addiction, which has just ripped those families apart. There appears to be a lack of appropriate facilities, rehabilitation services and support for them. If we can seize more assets from the organised criminal syndicates that profit from this, the question I respectfully pose to the government, simply to flag it, is: why not use some of those funds to improve rehabilitation services in this country?