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This is a Bill, not an Act. For current law, see the Acts databases.
New South Wales
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Contents
Page
Part 1 Preliminary
1 Name of Act 2
2 Commencement 2
3 Objects of Act 2
4 Application of Act 2
5 Definitions 3
Part 2 Involuntary detention and treatment
6 General restriction on involuntary detention 5
7 Accredited medical practitioners 5
8 Declaration of treatment centres 5
9 Assessing persons for detention and treatment 5
10 Order for assessment 6
11 Assistance of interpreters 7
12 If certificate not issued, advice must be given 7
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Contents
Page
13 Nomination of primary carer 7
14 Length of initial detention and review of dependency
certificate 8
15 Treatment of dependent persons 8
16 Information to be given to dependent person 9
17 Notice to primary carer about detention 9
18 Notice to dependent person of appeal rights 9
19 Notice to primary carer of events affecting dependent
person 9
20 Transporting dependent person to treatment centre 10
21 Leave of absence on compassionate grounds, medical
grounds or other grounds 11
22 Apprehension of persons not permitted to be absent
from treatment centre 11
23 Police assistance 12
24 Discharge from treatment centre 12
25 Discharge and other planning 12
Part 3 Official visitors
26 Principal official visitor 14
27 Official visitors 14
28 Provisions relating to the principal official visitor and
official visitors 15
29 Inspections of alcohol or drug dependency treatment
centre by official visitors 15
30 Obligations to facilitate exercise of functions by official
visitors 15
31 Reports to Minister 16
32 Request by patient or other person to see official visitor 16
33 Official visitors not personally liable 16
Part 4 Review and extension of dependency certificates
34 Reviewing issue of dependency certificates 17
35 Applying for extension of dependency certificates 18
36 Consideration of applications to extend detention
and treatment under dependency certificates 18
37 Proceedings to be informal 19
38 Adjournments 20
39 Production of evidence 20
40 Inspection etc of medical records 21
41 Publication of names 21
42 Record of proceedings 22
43 Procedure generally 22
44 Contempt 22
45 Appeal to Administrative Decisions Tribunal 22
Contents page 2
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Contents
Page
Part 5 Miscellaneous
46 Restrictions on holding joint offices 24
47 Disclosure of information 24
48 Act does not limit or affect other powers 24
49 Liability of police officers and health care professionals
exercising functions under this Act 25
50 Service of documents 25
51 Approved forms 26
52 Role of objects provisions 26
53 Nature of proceedings for offences 26
54 Amendment of Schedule 1 (Substances) 26
55 Regulations 26
56 Amendment of other Act 26
57 Review of Act 26
Schedule 1 Substances 27
Schedule 2 Dependency certificate 31
Schedule 3 Provisions relating to principal official
visitor and official visitors 34
Schedule 4 Amendment of Inebriates Act 1912 No 24 36
Contents page 3
I certify that this public bill, which originated in the Legislative Assembly, has
finally passed the Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly of New
South Wales.
Clerk of the Legislative Assembly.
Legislative Assembly,
Sydney, , 2007
New South Wales
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Act No , 2007
An Act to provide for the health and safety of persons with a severe substance
dependence through involuntary detention, care, treatment and stabilisation; and for
other purposes.
I have examined this bill and find it to correspond in all respects with the bill as
finally passed by both Houses.
Assistant Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
Clause 1 Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Part 1 Preliminary
The Legislature of New South Wales enacts:
Part 1 Preliminary
1 Name of Act
This Act is the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Act 2007.
2 Commencement
This Act commences on a day or days to be appointed by proclamation.
3 Objects of Act
(1) The objects of this Act are:
(a) to provide for the involuntary treatment of persons with a severe
substance dependence with the aim of protecting their health and
safety, and
(b) to facilitate a comprehensive assessment of those persons in
relation to their dependency, and
(c) to facilitate the stabilisation of those persons through medical
treatment, including, for example, medically assisted withdrawal,
and
(d) to give those persons the opportunity to engage in voluntary
treatment and restore their capacity to make decisions about their
substance use and personal welfare.
(2) This Act must be interpreted, and every function conferred or imposed
by this Act must be performed or exercised, so that, as far as practicable:
(a) involuntary detention and treatment of those persons is a
consideration of last resort, and
(b) the interests of those persons is paramount in decisions made
under this Act, and
(c) those persons will receive the best possible treatment in the least
restrictive environment that will enable treatment to be
effectively given, and
(d) any interference with the rights, dignity and self-respect of those
persons will be kept to the minimum necessary.
4 Application of Act
(1) This Act applies in an area prescribed by the regulations.
(2) The Inebriates Act 1912 does not apply in that area.
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Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007 Clause 5
Preliminary Part 1
(3) However, despite subsections (1) and (2), this Act does not apply, and
the Inebriates Act 1912 does apply, to minors.
(4) Nothing in this Act affects the operation of the following:
(a) the Mental Health Act 1990,
(b) the Mental Health (Criminal Procedure) Act 1990,
(c) the Public Health Act 1991,
(d) the Guardianship Act 1987,
(e) the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002.
5 Definitions
(1) In this Act:
accredited medical practitioner means a medical practitioner appointed
under section 7.
close friend or relative, of a dependent person, means a friend or
relative of the person who:
(a) maintains both a close personal relationship with the person
through frequent personal contact and a personal interest in the
person's welfare, and
(b) does not provide support to the person wholly or substantially on
a commercial basis.
dependency certificate means a certificate issued under section 9.
dependent person means a person in relation to whom a dependency
certificate has been issued.
director, of a treatment centre, means the person appointed as the
director of the centre by the Director-General.
Director-General means the Director-General of the Department of
Health.
exercise a function includes perform a duty.
function includes a power, authority or duty.
primary carer, of a dependent person, means:
(a) the guardian of the dependent person, or
(b) if the dependent person is not under guardianship, the person
nominated by the dependent person as the primary carer under a
nomination under section 13 that is in force, or
(c) if paragraphs (a) and (b) do not apply:
(i) the spouse of the dependent person, if any, if the
relationship between the person and the spouse is close and
continuing, or
Page 3
Clause 5 Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Part 1 Preliminary
(ii) any person who is primarily responsible for providing
support or care to the dependent person (other than wholly
or substantially on a commercial basis), or
(iii) a close friend or relative of the dependent person.
severe substance dependence, in relation to a person, means the person:
(a) has a tolerance to a substance, and
(b) shows withdrawal symptoms when the person stops using, or
reduces the level of use of, the substance, and
(c) has lost the capacity to make decisions about his or her substance
use and personal welfare due primarily to his or her dependence
on the substance.
substance means a substance, or a combination of substances, listed in
Schedule 1.
treatment centre means a facility declared under section 8 to be a
treatment centre.
(2) Notes included in this Act do not form part of this Act.
Page 4
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007 Clause 6
Involuntary detention and treatment Part 2
Part 2 Involuntary detention and treatment
6 General restriction on involuntary detention
A person must not be detained in a treatment centre under this Act
unless an accredited medical practitioner has issued a dependency
certificate in relation to the person.
7 Accredited medical practitioners
(1) The Director-General may appoint a medical practitioner as an
accredited medical practitioner.
(2) The Director-General may appoint the holder of an office (who is a
medical practitioner) as an accredited medical practitioner.
(3) The Director-General may impose conditions for exercising the
functions of an accredited medical practitioner.
8 Declaration of treatment centres
(1) The Director-General, by order published in the Gazette:
(a) may declare any premises to which this section applies, and that
are specified or described in the order, to be a treatment centre
under this Act, and
(b) may, in the same or another order so published, name the
premises so specified or described.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), an order may change the name
assigned to any premises specified or described in the order.
(3) This section applies to the following premises:
(a) premises that belong to or are under the control of the State or an
authority of the State or a person acting on behalf of the State or
an authority of the State,
(b) a facility of a public health organisation within the meaning of the
Health Services Act 1997,
(c) premises that the owner or person who has control of the
premises has agreed, by an instrument in writing given to the
Director-General, to being premises to which this section applies.
9 Assessing persons for detention and treatment
(1) A medical practitioner may request an accredited medical practitioner
to assess a person for detention and treatment under this Act.
(2) After assessing the person, the accredited medical practitioner may
issue a certificate (a dependency certificate), in the form shown in
Page 5
Clause 10 Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Part 2 Involuntary detention and treatment
Schedule 2, stating the person may be detained for treatment under this
Act for the period stated in the certificate.
(3) A dependency certificate may be issued in relation to the person only if
the accredited medical practitioner is satisfied:
(a) the person has a severe substance dependence, and
(b) care, treatment or control of the person is necessary to protect the
person from serious harm, and
(c) the person is likely to benefit from treatment for his or her
substance dependence but has refused treatment, and
(d) no other appropriate and less restrictive means for dealing with
the person are reasonably available.
(4) The accredited medical practitioner may have regard to any serious
harm that may occur to:
(a) children in the care of the person, or
(b) dependants of the person.
(5) If a dependency certificate is issued in relation to the person assessed
under this section, the person may be detained in accordance with the
certificate for treatment under this Act.
10 Order for assessment
(1) This section applies if the accredited medical practitioner is unable to
access the person to conduct the assessment requested under section 9.
(2) A Magistrate or authorised officer may, by order, authorise the
accredited medical practitioner to visit and assess the person to ascertain
whether a dependency certificate should be issued in relation to the
person.
(3) However, the order may be made only if the Magistrate or officer is
satisfied, by evidence on oath, that:
(a) the person is likely to have a severe substance dependence, and
(b) the person is likely to be in need of protection from serious harm
or others are likely to be in need of protection from serious
physical harm, and
(c) because of physical inaccessibility, the person could not, but for
the making of an order under this section, be assessed, and
(d) the person is likely to benefit from the treatment.
(4) The order may also authorise another person (including a police officer)
who may be required to assist the accredited medical practitioner in
conducting the assessment to accompany the accredited medical
practitioner.
Page 6
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007 Clause 11
Involuntary detention and treatment Part 2
(5) The accredited medical practitioner and any other person authorised
under this section may enter premises, if need be by force, to carry out
the assessment.
(6) If a dependency certificate is issued in relation to the person assessed
under this section, the person may be detained in accordance with the
certificate for treatment under this Act.
(7) A person who takes action under the order must, as soon as practicable
after taking the action, give written notice of the action taken to the
person who made the order.
(8) In this section:
authorised officer means an authorised officer within the meaning of
the Criminal Procedure Act 1986.
11 Assistance of interpreters
The accredited medical practitioner must arrange for an interpreter to be
present at the assessment of a person under this Part if the person is
unable to communicate adequately in English but can communicate
adequately in another language.
12 If certificate not issued, advice must be given
(1) Subsection (2) applies if the accredited medical practitioner is not
satisfied a dependency certificate should be issued in relation to the
person being assessed under this Part.
(2) The practitioner must, if the practitioner considers it appropriate, give
advice on alternative options available for treating the person:
(a) to the person, and
(b) to the primary carer, if any, of the person.
13 Nomination of primary carer
(1) A dependent person may nominate a person to be the dependent
person's primary carer under this Act.
(2) A dependent person may nominate a person who is to be excluded from
being given a notice or information about the person under this Act.
(3) A dependent person may revoke or vary any such nomination at any
time.
(4) A nomination, variation or revocation must be made in writing and may
be given to an accredited medical practitioner at the treatment centre
concerned or the Director-General.
Page 7
Clause 14 Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Part 2 Involuntary detention and treatment
(5) A nomination remains in force for the period stated in the nomination
unless it is revoked earlier in writing.
(6) An accredited medical practitioner must, in carrying out his or her
functions under this Act or the regulations, give effect to a nomination,
or a variation or revocation of a nomination, if the practitioner is given
notice of it.
(7) An accredited medical practitioner is not required to give effect to a
nomination, or a variation or revocation of a nomination, if the
practitioner reasonably believes:
(a) that to do so may put the dependent person, the nominated person
or any other person at risk of serious harm, or
(b) that the dependent person was incapable of making the
nomination, variation or revocation.
14 Length of initial detention and review of dependency certificate
If an accredited medical practitioner issues a dependency certificate in
relation to a person being assessed:
(a) the person must not be detained for treatment for more than 28
days after the day the certificate is issued, and
(b) an accredited medical practitioner must, as soon as practicable
after the certificate is issued, bring the person before a Magistrate
for a review of the issuing of the certificate.
Note. Under Part 4, the period of detention may be reduced or it may be
extended for up to a total period of not more than 3 months from the day the
certificate is issued.
15 Treatment of dependent persons
(1) A person who authorises the administration of any medication to a
dependent person detained in a treatment centre under this Act:
(a) must have due regard to the possible effects of the administration
of the medication, and
(b) must prescribe the minimum medication, consistent with proper
care, to ensure that the dependent person is not prevented from
communicating adequately with any other person who may be
engaged to represent the dependent person at a review under Part
4.
(2) An accredited medical practitioner may, subject to this Act, give, or
authorise the giving of, such treatment (including any medication) as
the practitioner thinks fit for the treatment of the dependent person's
substance dependence.
Page 8
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007 Clause 16
Involuntary detention and treatment Part 2
16 Information to be given to dependent person
(1) An accredited medical practitioner must give the dependent person an
oral explanation and a written statement of the person's legal rights and
other entitlements under this Act.
(2) The explanation and statement must be given as soon as practicable
after the dependency certificate is issued.
(3) The written statement must be in the form approved by the
Director-General.
(4) If the accredited medical practitioner is of the opinion that the
dependent person is not capable of understanding the explanation or
statement when it would normally be given, the explanation and
statement must be given to the person not later than 24 hours before the
review under section 34 is held about the person.
(5) The accredited medical practitioner must, if the dependent person is
unable to communicate adequately in English but is able to
communicate adequately in another language, arrange for the oral
explanation to be given in the other language.
17 Notice to primary carer about detention
(1) An accredited medical practitioner must, not later than 24 hours after
the dependency certificate has been issued, take all reasonably
practicable steps to notify the primary carer of the dependent person that
the person has been detained.
(2) The notice need not be given if the dependent person is discharged
during that period.
18 Notice to dependent person of appeal rights
(1) An accredited medical practitioner must give, or cause to be given, to
the dependent person a statement of the rights of appeal conferred on the
person under this Act.
(2) The statement must be given as soon as practicable after the dependency
certificate in relation to the person is issued.
(3) The statement must be in the form approved by the Director-General.
19 Notice to primary carer of events affecting dependent person
(1) An accredited medical practitioner must take all reasonably practicable
steps to notify the primary carer of a dependent person if any of the
following events occurs:
(a) the person is absent from a treatment centre without permission
or fails to return at the end of a period of leave,
Page 9
Clause 20 Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Part 2 Involuntary detention and treatment
(b) the person is discharged from a treatment centre,
(c) an application is made under Part 4 to extend the effective period
of the dependency certificate relating to the person.
(2) The accredited medical practitioner must give the notice as soon as
practicable after becoming aware the event has occurred.
(3) If the person is referred to or discharged to another centre the accredited
medical practitioner must also state in the notice the name of that centre.
20 Transporting dependent person to treatment centre
(1) A transport officer may take a dependent person to or from a treatment
centre.
(2) A transport officer may:
(a) use reasonable force in exercising functions under this section or
any other provision of this Act applying this section, and
(b) restrain the dependent person in any way that is reasonably
necessary in the circumstances.
(3) A transport officer may carry out a frisk search or an ordinary search of
the dependent person, if the officer reasonably suspects the person is
carrying anything:
(a) that would present a danger to the officer, the person or any other
person, or
(b) that could be used to assist the person to escape from the officer's
custody.
(4) The transport officer may seize and detain a thing found in a search if it
is a thing of a kind mentioned in subsection (3) (a) or (b).
(5) In this section:
frisk search means:
(a) a search of a dependent person conducted by quickly running the
hands over the person's outer clothing or by passing an electronic
metal detection device over or in close proximity to the person's
outer clothing, or
(b) an examination of any thing worn or carried by the person that is
conveniently and voluntarily removed by the person, including
an examination conducted by passing an electronic metal
detection device over or in close proximity to that thing.
Page 10
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007 Clause 21
Involuntary detention and treatment Part 2
ordinary search means a search of a dependent person or of articles in
the possession of the person that may include:
(a) requiring the person to remove only his or her overcoat, coat or
jacket or similar article of clothing and any gloves, shoes and hat,
and
(b) an examination of those items.
transport officer means:
(a) a member of staff of the NSW Health Service,
(b) a police officer,
(c) a person of a class prescribed by the regulations.
21 Leave of absence on compassionate, medical or other grounds
(1) An accredited medical practitioner may permit a dependent person to be
absent from a treatment centre for the period, and on the conditions, the
practitioner thinks fit.
(2) Permission may be given on any grounds the practitioner thinks fit,
including, for example, compassionate grounds or that the dependent
person requires medical treatment.
(3) The practitioner may not grant leave of absence unless the practitioner
is satisfied that, the person is medically fit and, as far as is practicable,
adequate measures have been taken to prevent the person from causing
harm to himself or herself or others.
22 Apprehension of persons not permitted to be absent from treatment
centre
(1) An accredited medical practitioner may apprehend a dependent person,
or direct that the person be apprehended, if:
(a) the person fails to return to a treatment centre on or before the
expiry of a permitted period of absence granted under section 21
or fails to comply with a condition of the permission, or
(b) the person absents himself or herself from the centre otherwise
than in accordance with this Act.
(2) The person may be apprehended by any of the following persons:
(a) an accredited medical practitioner,
(b) any suitably qualified person authorised by the Director-General
or the director of the centre,
(c) a police officer,
(d) a person assisting a person mentioned in paragraph (a), (b) or (c).
Page 11
Clause 23 Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Part 2 Involuntary detention and treatment
(3) A person who is apprehended must be taken to and detained in a
treatment centre.
23 Police assistance
(1) An accredited medical practitioner may request that a police officer
apprehend, or assist in apprehending, a dependent person if the
practitioner is of the opinion there are serious concerns relating to the
safety of the person or other persons if the person is taken to a treatment
centre without the assistance of a police officer.
(2) A police officer to whose notice any such request is brought may:
(a) apprehend and take or assist in apprehending and taking the
person to a treatment centre, or
(b) cause or make arrangements for some other police officer to take
the person to a treatment centre.
(3) The police officer may enter premises to apprehend the dependent
person under this section or section 22, and may apprehend the person,
without a warrant and may exercise any powers conferred under section
20 on a transport officer under that section.
Note. Section 20 sets out the persons who may take a person to the treatment
centre and their powers when doing so.
24 Discharge from treatment centre
(1) An accredited medical practitioner may discharge a dependent person
from a treatment centre at any time if the practitioner is satisfied the
person's continued presence at the treatment centre will not achieve the
purpose for which the person was detained.
(2) An accredited medical practitioner must discharge a dependent person
from a treatment centre:
(a) if the practitioner is satisfied the person no longer meets the
criteria for detention and treatment under section 9 (3), or
(b) when the dependency certificate in relation to the person ceases
to have effect.
25 Discharge and other planning
(1) An accredited medical practitioner must take all reasonably practicable
steps to ensure that the dependent person, and the primary carer of the
person, are consulted in relation to planning the person's discharge and
any later treatment or other action considered in relation to the person.
Page 12
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007 Clause 25
Involuntary detention and treatment Part 2
(2) In planning the discharge of the person, and any later treatment or other
action considered in relation to the person, the accredited medical
practitioner must take all reasonably practicable steps to consult with
agencies involved in providing relevant services to the person, any
primary carer of the person and any dependant of the person.
(3) The accredited medical practitioner must take all reasonably practicable
steps to provide the person, and the person's primary carer, with
appropriate information about follow-up care.
Page 13
Clause 26 Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Part 3 Official visitors
Part 3 Official visitors
26 Principal official visitor
(1) The Minister may, by instrument in writing, appoint a person to be the
principal official visitor.
(2) The principal official visitor has the following functions:
(a) to advise and assist official visitors in the exercise of the
functions conferred or imposed on them under this Act,
(b) to oversee the official visitor program conducted under this Act,
(c) to report to the Minister, as directed by the Minister, about the
exercise of the functions of the principal official visitor and
official visitors,
(d) to refer matters relating to any significant alcohol or drug
dependency issues or dependent person safety or treatment issues
to the Minister or any other appropriate person or body,
(e) to act as an advocate to the Minister for persons receiving alcohol
or drug dependency treatment,
(f) any other function conferred on the principal official visitor
under this or any other Act.
27 Official visitors
(1) The Minister must, by instrument in writing, appoint official visitors
under both subsections (2) and (3).
(2) A person may be appointed as an official visitor if the person is a
medical practitioner.
(3) A person may also be appointed as an official visitor if the Minister is
satisfied the person is otherwise suitably qualified.
(4) An official visitor has the following functions:
(a) to refer matters relating to any significant alcohol or drug
dependency issues or patient safety or treatment issues to the
principal official visitor or any other appropriate person or body,
(b) to act as an advocate for patients about issues arising in the
alcohol or drug dependency treatment system, including issues
raised by the primary carer of a dependent person,
(c) to inspect treatment centres as directed by the principal official
visitor and in accordance with this Part,
(d) any other function conferred on official visitors under this or any
other Act.
Page 14
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007 Clause 28
Official visitors Part 3
28 Provisions relating to the principal official visitor and official visitors
Schedule 3 has effect in relation to the principal official visitor and
official visitors.
29 Inspections of alcohol or drug dependency treatment centre by official
visitors
(1) The principal official visitor must ensure that 2 or more official visitors
visit each treatment centre.
(2) For the purposes of the visit, one of the official visitors must be a person
referred to in section 27 (2) and one of the official visitors must be a
person referred to in section 27 (3).
(3) On a visit to a treatment centre, the official visitors must:
(a) so far as practicable, inspect every part of the centre at least once,
and
(b) so far as practicable, make any necessary inquiries about the
treatment and detention of dependent persons in the centre, and
(c) examine and sign the registers, books, records and other
documents produced to them in accordance with this Part, and
(d) enter the fact of their visit in the official visitors book at the
centre, together with any observations they think appropriate to
make.
(4) The official visitors must report to the principal official visitor about
each visit in accordance with any arrangements made by the principal
official visitor.
(5) A visit may be made with or without previous notice and at any time of
the day or night, and be of such length, as the official visitors think
appropriate.
(6) A visit may be made at the request of the primary carer of a dependent
person being treated at the centre.
(7) The regulations may provide for other matters in relation to visits to a
treatment centre.
30 Obligations to facilitate exercise of functions by official visitors
The director of each treatment centre must do the following for the
purposes of any visit by official visitors:
(a) allow the official visitors to have access to and to inspect every
part of the centre,
(b) permit the official visitors to see and to interview each dependent
person in the centre,
Page 15
Clause 31 Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Part 3 Official visitors
(c) give full and true answers to the best of his or her knowledge to
all questions the official visitors ask in relation to the centre and
the dependent persons,
(d) produce to the official visitors any registers, books, records,
orders, certificates, returns and other documents relating to the
admission and treatment of the dependent persons and the
discharge of persons required by the official visitors.
31 Reports to Minister
Nothing in this Part prevents an official visitor from reporting to the
Minister about any matter arising from or relating to the exercise by the
official visitor of the official visitor's functions.
32 Request by patient or other person to see official visitor
(1) A dependent person who is being treated in a treatment centre, or the
primary carer of the person, may notify an accredited medical
practitioner, orally or in writing, that the person or carer wants to see an
official visitor.
(2) The practitioner must inform an official visitor of the person's or
primary carer's desire to see an official visitor not later than 2 days after
receiving the notice.
33 Official visitors not personally liable
A matter or thing done or omitted to be done by an official visitor does
not, if the matter or thing was done or omitted to be done in good faith
for the purpose of executing this Act or the regulations, subject the
official visitor personally to any action, liability, claim or demand.
Page 16
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007 Clause 34
Review and extension of dependency certificates Part 4
Part 4 Review and extension of dependency
certificates
34 Reviewing issue of dependency certificates
(1) A Magistrate must hold an inquiry in relation to a person brought before
the Magistrate in accordance with section 14.
(2) An accredited medical practitioner must make all necessary
arrangements to ensure that:
(a) all appropriate medical witnesses appear before the Magistrate,
and
(b) other relevant medical evidence concerning the person is placed
before the Magistrate.
(3) The Magistrate must determine whether or not, on the balance of
probabilities, the person meets the criteria for detention under section 9.
(4) For that purpose, the Magistrate must consider the following:
(a) the reports and recommendations of any accredited medical
practitioner who has examined the person,
(b) any proposed further treatment for the person and the likelihood
the treatment will be of benefit to the person,
(c) the views of the person (if any),
(d) any cultural factors relating to the person that may be relevant to
the determination,
(e) any other relevant information given to the Magistrate.
(5) If the Magistrate is satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that the
person meets the criteria for detention under section 9, the Magistrate
may, having regard to the matters considered under subsection (4):
(a) confirm the issuing of the dependency certificate, or
(b) confirm the issuing of the dependency certificate, but for a
shorter period.
(6) If the Magistrate acts under subsection (5) (b), the certificate has effect
only for the shorter period.
(7) If the Magistrate is not satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that the
person meets the criteria for detention under section 9, the Magistrate
must order that the person be discharged from the treatment centre and
the dependency certificate is of no further effect.
Page 17
Clause 35 Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Part 4 Review and extension of dependency certificates
35 Applying for extension of dependency certificates
An accredited medical practitioner may apply to a Magistrate to extend
the effective period of a dependency certificate if:
(a) the practitioner is satisfied:
(i) the dependent person is suffering from drug or alcohol
related brain injury, and
(ii) additional time is needed to carry out treatment and to plan
the person's discharge, and
(b) the practitioner presents, with the application, a proposed
treatment plan to be followed during the additional time granted.
36 Consideration of applications to extend detention and treatment under
dependency certificates
(1) The Magistrate must consider the application made under section 35
within 7 days of receiving it.
(2) After considering the application, the Magistrate must determine:
(a) whether or not the detention and treatment period for the
dependent person should be extended, and
(b) if so, for how long, but for not more than 3 months from the day
the dependency certificate was issued.
(3) In making the determination, the Magistrate must consider the
following:
(a) the treatment proposed in the treatment plan accompanying the
application,
(b) the length of the extension sought,
(c) whether or not it is likely the additional treatment will benefit the
dependent person,
(d) the views of the person (if any),
(e) any cultural factors relating to the person that may be relevant in
making the decision,
(f) any other relevant information given to the Magistrate.
(4) If the Magistrate determines that the extension sought should not be
granted, the certificate continues to have effect as if the application had
not been made.
(5) If the Magistrate grants an extension, the certificate has effect for the
period determined by the Magistrate.
Page 18
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007 Clause 37
Review and extension of dependency certificates Part 4
37 Proceedings to be informal
(1) The review under section 34 or the consideration of an application
under section 35 (both, the proceedings) must be conducted quickly and
with as little formality and technicality as the requirements of this Act,
the regulations and as the proper consideration of the matters before the
Magistrate permit.
(2) In the proceedings, the Magistrate is not bound by the rules of evidence
but may inform himself or herself of any matter in the way the
Magistrate thinks appropriate and as the proper consideration of the
matter before the Magistrate permits.
(3) The proceedings are open to the public.
(4) However, if the Magistrate is satisfied that it is desirable to do so for the
welfare of the dependent person or for any other reason, the Magistrate
may (of the Magistrate's own motion or on the application of the person
or another person appearing at the proceedings) make any one or more
of the following orders:
(a) an order that the proceedings be conducted wholly or partly in
private,
(b) an order prohibiting or restricting the publication or broadcasting
of any report of the proceedings,
(c) an order prohibiting or restricting the publication of evidence
given in the proceedings, whether in public or in private, or of
matters contained in documents lodged with the Magistrate or
received in evidence before the Magistrate,
(d) an order prohibiting or restricting the disclosure to some or all of
the parties to the proceedings of evidence given before the
Magistrate, or of the contents of a document lodged with the
Magistrate or received in evidence by the Magistrate, in relation
to the proceedings.
Note. Section 41 prohibits the publication or broadcasting of the name of a
person involved in the proceedings or other material that may identify any such
person, except with the consent of the Magistrate.
(5) If the dependent person is unable to communicate adequately in English
but is able to communicate adequately in another language the
dependent person may be assisted in the proceedings by a competent
interpreter.
(6) The Magistrate may administer an oath to any person giving evidence
in the proceedings.
Page 19
Clause 38 Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Part 4 Review and extension of dependency certificates
(7) The dependent person must be represented in the proceedings by an
Australian legal practitioner or, with the leave of the Magistrate, another
person chosen by the dependent person, unless the dependent person
states that he or she does not wish to be represented.
(8) Any other person appearing in the proceedings may, with the leave of
the Magistrate, be represented by an Australian legal practitioner.
(9) The primary carer of the dependent person may, with the leave of the
Magistrate, appear in the proceedings.
38 Adjournments
(1) The Magistrate may, from time to time and if it is in the best interests of
the dependent person to do so, adjourn the proceedings for up to 7 days.
(2) If the proceedings are adjourned, the dependency certificate continues
to have effect unless another provision of this Act states otherwise.
39 Production of evidence
(1) The Magistrate may of his or her own motion, or on the application of
another person involved in the proceeding, issue a summons requiring
the person to whom the summons is addressed to do either or both of the
following things:
(a) to attend as a witness in the proceedings,
(b) to attend the proceedings and to produce any documents in the
possession or under the control of the person relating to the
proceedings and specified in the summons.
(2) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to authorising
compliance with a summons to produce any documents by the
production of the documents at a place specified in the summons at any
time before the proceedings at which the documents are required to be
produced.
(3) A person to whom a summons is addressed is entitled to receive the
amounts payable for compliance with a subpoena under the Uniform
Civil Procedure Rules 2005:
(a) if the summons was issued by the Magistrate on his or her own
motion, from the Magistrate, or
(b) if the summons was issued on the application of another person,
from the other person.
(4) If a person:
(a) is served with a summons under this section, and
Page 20
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007 Clause 40
Review and extension of dependency certificates Part 4
(b) at the time of service, is given an amount that is sufficient to
cover the person's travelling and other out-of-pocket expenses in
attending the proceedings and producing any thing required by
the summons to be produced,
the person must comply with the summons, unless the person has a
reasonable excuse.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
40 Inspection etc of medical records
(1) Unless the Magistrate otherwise determines, the dependent person is
entitled to inspect, or otherwise have access to, any medical records
relating to the person in the possession of another person.
(2) A representative of the dependent person is entitled, at any time before
or during the proceedings, to inspect or otherwise have access to any
medical records relating to the person in the possession of another
person.
(3) If an accredited medical practitioner warns the representative of the
dependent person that it may be harmful to communicate to the person,
or any other person, specified information in those medical records:
(a) the representative must have full and proper regard to that
warning, and
(b) the representative is not obliged to disclose to the person, or any
other person, any information obtained by virtue of the inspection
or other access.
(4) Subsection (3) is subject to any order or direction of the Magistrate, in
relation to an inspection under subsection (2).
41 Publication of names
(1) A person must not, whether before or after the proceedings are
completed and without the consent of the Magistrate, publish or
broadcast the name of any person:
(a) to whom the proceedings relate, or
(b) who appears as a witness in the proceedings, or
(c) who is mentioned or otherwise involved in the proceedings.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 12 months, or
both.
(2) This section does not prohibit the publication or broadcasting of an
official report of the proceedings that includes the name of any person
the publication or broadcasting of which would otherwise be prohibited
by this section.
Page 21
Clause 42 Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Part 4 Review and extension of dependency certificates
(3) For the purposes of this section, a reference to the name of a person
includes a reference to any information, picture or material that
identifies the person or is likely to lead to the identification of the
person.
42 Record of proceedings
(1) The proceedings must be recorded.
(2) Regulations may be made for or with respect to the way in which the
evidence may be recorded and the authentication of evidence or of
transcripts of evidence given in the proceedings.
(3) The regulations may provide for the circumstances in which evidence
given in the proceedings must be transcribed.
43 Procedure generally
(1) Subject to this Part and the regulations, the procedure for the
proceedings, and for the conduct of the proceedings, must be
determined by the Magistrate.
(2) The regulations may provide for the following matters:
(a) the procedure for the calling of, and for the conduct of business
at, any proceedings,
(b) giving assistance to the Magistrate by relevant qualified persons
for the purposes of determining any matter,
(c) reports and information required to be given to the Magistrate,
including provisions relating to the matters to be dealt with in
reports and the making of reports available to the Magistrate,
(d) the recording of proceedings and determinations of the
Magistrate,
(e) the service of documents.
44 Contempt
A person must not refuse, neglect or for any reason fail to obey or
comply with an order or determination of the Magistrate under this Act.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
45 Appeal to Administrative Decisions Tribunal
(1) A person aggrieved by an order or determination of the Magistrate
under this Part may appeal against the order or determination to the
Administrative Decisions Tribunal.
Note. Section 118A of the Administrative Decisions Tribunal Act 1997 sets out
a summary of the appeal process for an appealable decision.
Page 22
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007 Clause 45
Review and extension of dependency certificates Part 4
(2) An appeal under this section is an external appeal within the meaning of
the Administrative Decisions Tribunal Act 1997.
Page 23
Clause 46 Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Part 5 Miscellaneous
Part 5 Miscellaneous
46 Restrictions on holding joint offices
(1) An accredited medical practitioner must not be appointed as an official
visitor.
(2) An official visitor must not be appointed as an accredited medical
practitioner.
(3) If a person is appointed contrary to subsection (1) or (2), any act of the
person performed during the purported appointment and under this Act
is taken to be validly performed.
(4) Subsection (3) applies only if the act would have been valid but for the
appointment contrary to this section.
47 Disclosure of information
(1) A person must not disclose any information obtained in connection with
the administration or execution of this Act or the regulations unless the
disclosure is:
(a) made with the consent of the person from whom the information
was obtained, or
(b) made in connection with the administration or execution of this
Act, or
(c) made for the purposes of any legal proceedings arising out of this
Act or the regulations or of any report of any such proceedings, or
(d) made with other lawful excuse, or
(e) necessary to assist or support the review of the Act under
section 57.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(2) A person is not required to comply with subsection (1) if
non-compliance is necessarily implied or reasonably contemplated
under an Act or law.
48 Act does not limit or affect other powers
(1) Nothing in this Act limits or affects any power conferred on a police
officer or any other person by or under any other law with respect to
stopping, searching or detaining a person (whether or not a dependent
person) or taking any such person to any place.
(2) Nothing in this Act prevents an accredited medical practitioner from
taking any action that the practitioner thinks fit to protect a dependent
person detained in a treatment centre, or any other person in the
treatment centre, from serious physical harm.
Page 24
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007 Clause 49
Miscellaneous Part 5
49 Liability of police officers and health care professionals exercising
functions under this Act
(1) Any member of staff of the NSW Health Service, health care
professional or police officer who, in good faith, exercises a function
that is conferred or imposed on that person by or under this Act is not
personally liable for any injury or damage caused by the exercise of that
function.
(2) Nothing in this section, or any other provision of this Act or the
regulations, relieves a medical practitioner or other person from liability
in respect of carrying out medical treatment on a person to which the
medical practitioner or other person would have been subject had the
treatment been carried out with the person's consent.
(3) Nothing in this section affects any exclusion from liability provided by
another provision of this Act or any other law.
(4) In this section, health care professional means a person registered
under a health registration Act within the meaning of the Health Care
Complaints Act 1993.
50 Service of documents
(1) A document authorised by or required by this Act or the regulations to
be given to or served on a person may be served by:
(a) in the case of a natural person:
(i) giving it to the person personally, or
(ii) sending it by post to the address specified by the person for
the giving or service of documents or, if no such address is
specified, the residential or business address of the person
last known to the person giving or serving the document,
or
(iii) sending it by facsimile transmission to the facsimile
number of the person, or
(b) in the case of a body corporate:
(i) leaving it with a person apparently of or above the age of
16 years at, or by sending it by post to, the head office, a
registered office or a principal office of the body corporate
or to an address specified by the body corporate for the
giving or service of documents, or
(ii) sending it by facsimile transmission to the facsimile
number of the body corporate.
(2) Nothing in this section affects the operation of any provision of a law or
of the rules of a court authorising a document to be served on a person
in any other way.
Page 25
Clause 51 Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Part 5 Miscellaneous
51 Approved forms
The Director-General may approve such forms (other than prescribed
forms required by this Act) as may be necessary or convenient for the
administration of this Act.
52 Role of objects provisions
Section 3 is intended to give guidance in the administration of this Act
and does not create, or confer on any person, any right or entitlement
enforceable at law.
53 Nature of proceedings for offences
Proceedings for an offence under this Act or the regulations may be
dealt with summarily before a Local Court.
54 Amendment of Schedule 1 (Substances)
The Governor may, by order published in the Gazette, amend
Schedule 1 by inserting, altering or omitting the name of a substance.
55 Regulations
(1) The Governor may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Act, for
or with respect to any matter that by this Act is required or permitted to
be prescribed or that is necessary or convenient to be prescribed for
carrying out or giving effect to this Act.
(2) A regulation may create an offence punishable by a penalty not
exceeding 5 penalty units.
56 Amendment of Inebriates Act 1912 No 24
The Inebriates Act 1912 is amended as set out in Schedule 4.
57 Review of Act
(1) The Minister must review this Act to determine whether the policy
objectives of the Act remain valid and whether the terms of the Act
remain appropriate for securing those objectives.
(2) The review must be started as soon as possible after the commencement
of this section.
(3) A report on the outcome of the review must be tabled in each House of
Parliament within 2 years of the commencement.
Page 26
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Substances Schedule 1
Schedule 1 Substances
(Section 5 (1), definition of "substance")
Column 1 Column 2
ANALGESICS--Organic Codeine (including Codral Forte, Disprin Forte,
opiate analgesics Mersyndol, Panadeine)
Morphine (including MS Contin, Opium)
Organic opiate analgesics, NEC
ANALGESICS-- Buprenorphine (including Subutex)
Semisynthetic & Synthetic
opioid analgesics Heroin
Oxycodone (including Endone)
Buprenorphine/Naloxone (including Suboxone)
Semisynthetic Opioid Analgesics, NEC (including
Rikodeine)
Fentanyl
Fentanyl analogues
Levomethadyl acetate hydrochloride (including LAAM)
Meperidine analogues
Methadone (including Biodone)
Pethidine
Synthetic Opioid Analgesics, NEC (including Physeptone,
Fortral, Palfium)
SEDATIVES & Ethanol (including alcohol)
HYPNOTICS--Alcohols
Methanol (including methylated spirits, metho)
Alcohols, NEC (including rubbing alcohol, antifreeze)
SEDATIVES & Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (including Liquid Ecstasy, GHB,
HYPNOTICS--Anaesthetics GBH)
Ketamine (including Special K)
Nitrous oxide (including laughing gas)
Phencyclidine (including Angel dust, PCP)
Anaesthetics, NEC
Page 27
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Schedule 1 Substances
Column 1 Column 2
SEDATIVES & Amylobarbitone
HYPNOTICS--Barbiturates
Methylphenobarbitone
Phenobarbitone
Barbiturates, NEC
SEDATIVES & Chlormethiazole
HYPNOTICS--Other
sedatives & hypnotics Kava lactones
Zopiclone
Other Sedatives & Hypnotics, NEC (including Dozile,
Unisom)
STIMULANTS & Amphetamine (including Benzedrine)
HALLUCINOGENS--
Amphetamines Dexamphetamine
Methamphetamine (including Speed, Ice, Crystal Meth)
Amphetamines, NEC
STIMULANTS & Cannabinoids (including Cannabis, hash, pot)
HALLUCINOGENS--
Cannabinoids
STIMULANTS & Ephedrine (including Shabu)
HALLUCINOGENS--
Ephedra alkaloids Norephedrine
Pseudoephedrine (including Benadryl, Panadol Sinus,
Sinutab, Sudafed, Nurofen Cold & Flu)
Ephedra Alkaloids, NEC
Page 28
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Substances Schedule 1
Column 1 Column 2
STIMULANTS & DOB (including Bromo-DNA)
HALLUCINOGENS--
Phenethylamines & DOM (including STP)
Tryptamines MDA (including Love Drug)
MDEA (including Eve)
MDMA (including Ecstasy)
Mescaline (including Peyote)
PMA
TMA
Phenethylamines, NEC
Atropinic alkaloids (including Atrobel Forte, Donnatab)
Diethyltryptamine
Dimethyltryptamine (including DMT, Fantasia)
Lysergic acid diethylamide (including Acid, LSD)
Psilocybin (including Magic Mushrooms)
Tryptamines, NEC
STIMULANTS & Caffeine
HALLUCINOGENS--Other
stimulants & hallucinogens Cathinone
Cocaine (including Coke)
Methcathinone
Methylphenidate (including Ritalin)
Nicotine (including chewing tobacco, snuff)
Other stimulants and hallucinogens, NEC
Page 29
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Schedule 1 Substances
Column 1 Column 2
VOLATILE SOLVENTS-- Butane (including air freshener, antiperspirant, aerosol,
Hydrocarbons: Aliphatic, lighter fluid)
Aromatic & Halogenated
Petroleum
Propane
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons, NEC
Toluene (including glue, paint, lacquer and paint thinners)
Xylene
Aromatic hydrocarbons, NEC
Bromochlorodifluoromethane
Chloroform
Tetrachloroethylene (including dry cleaning agents)
Trichloroethane (including correction fluid and thinner)
Trichloroethylene (including PVC cement, degreasing
agents)
Halogenated Hydrocarbons, NEC
VOLATILE SOLVENTS-- Acetone (including nail polish remover)
Other volatile solvents
Ethyl acetate (including balsa wood cement)
Other Volatile Solvents, NEC
Page 30
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Dependency certificate Schedule 2
Schedule 2 Dependency certificate
(Section 9 (2))
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Act 2007
Part 1
I, [name in full--use block letters] (accredited medical practitioner) of [address] certify that
on [date] immediately before, or shortly before, completing this certificate, I personally
assessed [name of person in full] under section 9 of the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Act
2007 at [state place where assessment took place] for a period of [state length of assessment].
I certify the following matters:
1. I am of the opinion that:
(a) the person I assessed (the dependent person) has a severe substance
dependence, and
(b) care, treatment or control of the person is necessary to protect the person from
serious harm, and
(c) the person is likely to benefit from treatment for his or her substance
dependence but the person has refused treatment, and
(d) no other appropriate and less restrictive means for dealing with the person are
reasonably available.
2. The following incidents and/or abnormalities of behaviour have been observed by me
and/or communicated to me by others (state name, relationship and address of each
informant):
3. The general medical and/or surgical condition of the dependent person is as follows:
4. The following medication (if any) has been administered for the purposes of treating
the dependent person:
5. I am of the opinion the dependent person should be detained for 28* days for treatment
under the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Act 2007.
(* lesser days may be inserted in item 5 by the accredited medical practitioner)
6. I am not a near relative or the primary carer of the dependent person.
Signed this day of 20
Signature
Part 2
A member of staff of the NSW Health Service or a police officer may transport the dependent
person to a treatment centre under the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Act 2007.
If the assistance of a police officer is required, this Part of the Form must be completed.
Page 31
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Schedule 2 Dependency certificate
YOU SHOULD NOT REQUEST THIS ASSISTANCE UNLESS THERE ARE SERIOUS
CONCERNS RELATING TO THE SAFETY OF THE DEPENDENT PERSON OR
OTHER PERSONS IF THE PERSON IS TAKEN TO A TREATMENT CENTRE
WITHOUT THE ASSISTANCE OF A POLICE OFFICER.
I have assessed the risk and I am of the opinion that there are serious concerns relating to the
safety of the dependent person or other persons if the dependent person is taken to a treatment
centre without the assistance of a police officer. The reason for me being of this opinion is
(include any information known about the dependent person relevant to the risk):
Signed this day of 20
Signature
Notes
1 Section 9 of the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Act 2007 states:
9 Assessing persons for detention and treatment
(1) A medical practitioner may request an accredited medical practitioner to assess
a person for detention and treatment under this Act.
(2) After assessing the person, the accredited medical practitioner may issue a
certificate (a dependency certificate), in the form shown in Schedule 2, stating
the person may be detained for treatment under this Act for the period stated in
the certificate.
(3) A dependency certificate may be issued in relation to the person only if the
accredited medical practitioner is satisfied:
(a) the person has a severe substance dependence, and
(b) care, treatment or control of the person is necessary to protect the person
from serious harm, and
(c) the person is likely to benefit from treatment for his or her substance
dependence but has refused treatment, and
(d) no other appropriate and less restrictive means for dealing with the
person are reasonably available.
(4) The accredited medical practitioner may have regard to any serious harm that
may occur to:
(a) children in the care of the person, or
(b) dependants of the person.
(5) If a dependency certificate is issued in relation to the person assessed under this
section, the person may be detained in accordance with the certificate for
treatment under this Act.
2 In the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Act 2007 close friend or relative is defined as follows:
close friend or relative, of a dependent person, means a friend or relative of the
person who:
(a) maintains both a close personal relationship with the person through
frequent personal contact and a personal interest in the person's welfare,
and
Page 32
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Dependency certificate Schedule 2
(b) does not provide support to the person wholly or substantially on a
commercial basis.
3 In the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Act 2007 primary carer is defined as follows:
primary carer, of a dependent person, means:
(a) the guardian of the dependent person, or
(b) if the dependent person is not under guardianship, the person nominated
by the dependent person as the primary carer under a nomination under
section 13 that is in force, or
(c) if paragraphs (a) and (b) do not apply:
(i) the spouse of the dependent person, if any, if the relationship
between the person and the spouse is close and continuing, or
(ii) any person who is primarily responsible for providing support or
care to the dependent person (other than wholly or substantially
on a commercial basis), or
(iii) a close friend or relative of the dependent person.
4 In the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Act 2007 severe substance dependence is defined as
follows:
severe substance dependence, in relation to a person, means the person:
(a) has a tolerance to a substance, and
(b) shows withdrawal symptoms when the person stops using, or reduces
the level of use of, the substance, and
(c) has lost the capacity to make decisions about his or her substance use
and personal welfare due primarily to his or her dependence on the
substance.
5 Under a dependency certificate the dependent person must not be detained for treatment for more
than 28 days from the day the certificate was issued and within 7 days of the certificate being
issued the person must be brought before a Magistrate for a review of the issuing of the certificate.
Page 33
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Schedule 3 Provisions relating to principal official visitor and official visitors
Schedule 3 Provisions relating to principal official
visitor and official visitors
(Section 28)
1 Definition
In this Schedule:
official visitor includes the principal official visitor.
2 Terms of office
Subject to this Schedule, an official visitor holds office for the period
(not exceeding 3 years) specified in the official visitor's instrument of
appointment, but is eligible (if otherwise qualified) for re-appointment.
3 Remuneration
An official visitor is entitled to be paid such remuneration (including
travelling and subsistence allowances) as the Minister may from time to
time determine in respect of the official visitor.
4 Vacancy in office of official visitor
(1) The office of an official visitor becomes vacant if the official visitor:
(a) dies, or
(b) completes a term of office and is not re-appointed, or
(c) resigns the office by instrument in writing addressed to the
Minister, or
(d) is removed from office by the Minister under this clause or by the
Governor under Chapter 5 of the Public Sector Employment and
Management Act 2002, or
(e) becomes bankrupt, applies to take the benefit of any law for the
relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors, compounds with his or her
creditors or makes an assignment of his or her remuneration for
their benefit, or
(f) is convicted in New South Wales of an offence that is punishable
by imprisonment for 12 months or more or is convicted
elsewhere than in New South Wales of an offence that, if
committed in New South Wales, would be an offence so
punishable, or
(g) being an official visitor appointed for a treatment centre, has a
pecuniary interest, directly or indirectly, in the treatment centre,
or
Page 34
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Provisions relating to principal official visitor and official visitors Schedule 3
(h) signs a certificate or request for the admission of a person to a
treatment centre or attends professionally on a patient in a
treatment centre.
(2) The Minister may remove an official visitor from office at any time.
5 Suspension of office
(1) An official visitor is suspended from office if the official visitor
becomes a mentally incapacitated person.
(2) The suspension from office ceases when the official visitor ceases to be
a mentally incapacitated person or the period of the official visitor's
appointment expires, whichever is the earlier.
6 Effect of certain other Acts
(1) The Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 does not
apply to the appointment of an official visitor and an official visitor is
not, as an official visitor, subject to that Act (except Chapter 5).
(2) If by or under any Act provision is made:
(a) requiring a person who is the holder of a specified office to
devote the whole of his or her time to the duties of that office, or
(b) prohibiting the person from engaging in employment outside the
duties of that office,
the provision does not operate to disqualify the person from holding that
office and also the office of an official visitor or from accepting and
retaining any remuneration payable to the person under this Act as an
official visitor.
Page 35
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Bill 2007
Schedule 4 Amendment of Inebriates Act 1912 No 24
Schedule 4 Amendment of Inebriates Act 1912 No 24
(Section 56)
[1] Section 3 Order for control of inebriates
Omit "inebriate, to order:" from section 3 (1).
Insert instead "inebriate and would benefit from the making of an order, to
order:".
[2] Section 3 (1), proviso
Omit "Provided that no such order shall be made except:".
Insert instead "Provided that no such order shall be made:".
[3] Section 3 (1), proviso
Insert "except" before "on production" in paragraph (i).
[4] Section 3 (1), proviso
Insert "except" before "on personal inspection" in paragraph (ii).
[5] Section 3 (1), proviso
Insert at the end of paragraph (ii):
, and
(iii) unless the inebriate would benefit from the making of the
order.
Page 36
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