Aim: To assess whether the NSW Alcohol-MERIT program improves the health and wellbeing of defendants. Method: Before their participation in the Alcohol-MERIT program, the health and wellbeing of 123 defendants was measured using the SF-36, Kessler-10 psychological distress scale and the SADQ for alcohol dependence level. These defendants were then followed-up two and six months...

This study aimed to determine whether being referred to the Court Referral of Eligible Defendants into Treatment (CREDIT) pilot program reduces re-offending. Method: Using propensity score matching, adult defendants referred to the CREDIT program, who had their matter finalised in court by 30 June 2011, were matched to control defendants on a large number of...

This paper describes the key operating characteristics of the Court Referral of Eligible Defendants into Treatment program and assesses the satisfaction of participants and key stakeholders. Methods: Descriptive analyses were conducted on data held in the CREDIT database, and interviews were conducted with 122 program participants and 54 stakeholders. Results: Over the two-year pilot period...

This snapshot describes the penalties imposed on convicted drink-drivers in NSW. A fine is the most serious penalty, imposed on 59.8 per cent of convicted drink-drivers. The average fine varies according to the PCA range of the offence: $470 (low range PCA range), $704 (middle range PCA offence), $1,056 (high range PCA offence) and $361...