Matthew Canavan (Queensland, Liberal National Party) Share this | Hansard source

Before I respond to Senator Xenophon's comments, Senator Collins has asked for the government to clarify its position on Senator McKim's amendments. Because she so generously welcomed me to this chair, I am happy to do so. My understanding is that the government made it clear last night that it would not be supporting these amendments. I was not here at the time, but, without going through all the detail, we made the point that section 319 of the Proceeds of Crime Act already provides that a court may not stay confiscation proceedings on the sole ground that criminal proceedings have been instituted or have commenced. We made the point that the additional sections we are proposing to add to section 319 would limit, but not remove, the overarching discretion of the court under that provision, and, therefore, we will not support Senator McKim's amendments.

Certainly, Senator Xenophon, I and the government share your concerns about the need to properly fund and adequately resource those requiring treatment for substance abuse—in particular, those who are facing the scourge that has emerged to do with crystal methamphetamine and ice. You mentioned that the government has already committed significant resources here through the nationalised task force. We have announced a funding package of around $285 million. As part of that, $241.5 million is included for additional funding for treatment services. They will commence from 1 July this year. The funds will be allocated to Primary Health Networks to commission new services based on what is necessary for and appropriate to the needs of their local communities. I am hopeful that that will overcome some of the concerns you have raised, Senator Xenophon, about the hand-to-mouth existence of some of these organisations.

A key priority will be ensuring that Indigenous-specific treatment services and culturally appropriate mainstream treatment services are available to Indigenous Australians. The PHNs will work with states and territories to support improved planning and capacity building across the alcohol and other drug treatment sector. This funding is in addition to the $310 million that the government already provides for specialist alcohol and other drug treatment services.

The senator raised a number of other points about hypothecation of funds and what have you. I am advised that because these changes only modify or partly modify the existing arrangements we have not been able to quantify or estimate how much will potentially be raised. It obviously will depend on how much crime occurs. But I will make the point that under subsection 298(2) of the Proceeds of Crime Act there is already a provision that sets out areas in relation to which the Minister for Justice may approve a program of expenditure, including measures relating to the treatment of drug addiction and diversionary measures relating to illegal use of drugs.

The government announced this week a new $1 million partnership with Crime Stoppers Australia through the 'Dob in a dealer' campaign which will encourage concerned members of the community to contact Crime Stoppers to help tackle the issue of the manufacture and distribution of ice in their local area. This shows the government's commitment to working on both the supply and the demand side of the ice trade.