The Palaszczuk Government has launched a new court initiative in Mount Isa to tackle the underlying causes of offending.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D'Ath today launched Court Link Mount Isa, a program based on individual case management and monitoring.
"One of the best ways to keep the community safe is to address the underlying causes of offending while seeking to prevent people from re-offending," Mrs Dath said.
"Court Link Mount Isa now gives eligible defendants access to a range of support services while they're on bail, for up to 12 weeks.
"Participants get regular meetings with their case managers and specialised service providers, with judicial monitoring through regular court appearances.
"Homelessness, employment, health issues and substance use are just some of the factors which contribute to offending, and we're determined to tackle these causes head on."
Mrs D'Ath said the cost of crime impacts significantly on the criminal justice system and community, both socially and economically.
"These impacts are further exacerbated when defendants continue to re-offend," she said.
"We need to ensure that those who are experiencing issues that may contribute to their offending are properly supported while they are on bail awaiting trial."
The Court Link program was established in response to recommendations in the 2016 Queensland Drug and Specialist Courts Review, which was commissioned to develop options for the reinstatement of a drug court in Queensland and the development of an over-arching framework for Queensland's specialist courts and court programs.
People can participate in Court Link if they are before the Magistrates Court charged with any criminal offence, regardless of whether they will plead guilty or not guilty and they must be eligible for bail.
