2007

1 November

NSW Health released “The Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) Program: Health Outcomes” report. This study examines the efficacy of the MERIT program in achieving improved health for participants - both physical and psychological. Findings include that completing the MERIT program significantly reduces participant’s drug use, improves health and social functioning, increases social stability and decreases risk-taking behaviour. An increased proportion of participants were in employment at program exit than at program entry. A survey of those completing MERIT revealed that over 90% were satisfied or very satisfied with their experiences on the program. For more information and to download the full report visit www.health.nsw.gov.au

2006
21 July	The Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment Program (MERIT) was officially launched in Newtown Local Court on Friday 21 July 2006. Attendees included the Hon Carmel Tebbutt MP, Superintendent Ken Finch from Newtown Local Area Command and Jan Whalan from Sydney South West Area Health Service (SSWAHS)
3 February	The Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment Program (MERIT) has expanded to Fairfield Local Court. A formal launch will be attended by the Hon. John Hatzistergos, MLC, NSW Minister for Health on the 23rd February 2006
16 January	The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association will be holding a conference at the Rydges Riverwalk, Melbourne from 7-8 February 2006 For more information visit www.vaada.org.au
2005
8 September	MERIT has expanded into its 54th location with its launch into Cooma Local Court attended by Steve Whan MP, Member for Monaro.
6 May	RAD (Rural Alcohol Diversion) Pilot Program was launched at the Bathurst Court House, attended by over 50 guests including Dr Clair Blizzard, Chief Executive of Greater Western Area Health Service; Mr Gerard Martin MP, State Member for Bathurst (representing the Hon John Della Bosca, MLC, Special Minister of State) and the Hon Tony Abbott, MHR, Minister for the Department of Health and Ageing. More about RAD>>
April	MERIT expanded to Blacktown Local Court at the beginning of April this year. Following this expansion, the program will be available at 53 Local Courts covering 75% of the Local Court population.
February	The new MERIT Website has been completed!
2004
17 December	Rural Alcohol Diversion (RAD) pilot program launch at Orange Local Court, to help divert adults with primary alcohol problems away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate treatment. More about RAD>>
30 November	MERIT launched into Sydney's Downing Centre court complex MERIT's launch into the Downing Centre was hosted by Judge Derek Price, Chief Magistrate for NSW, on 30 November 2004. MERIT is now available at 52 Local Courts across all 17 Area Health Services. Full launch details: Word Document (21Kb)
28 July	The Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment program was officially launched in Broken Hill, on 28 July 2004. Mr Della Bosca launched the program with Federal Member for Parkes, John Cobb; the Member for Murray-Darling, Peter Black; and Mayor Ron Page. The program was first piloted in Lismore then Wollongong magistrates courts and is now being extended across NSW.
8 July	Youth Drug and Alcohol Court new website has gone 'live', to coincide with the release of the program's evaluation, at: www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/youthdrugcourt
May	Outcomes of the NSW Summit on Alcohol Abuse: Changing the Culture of Alcohol Use in NSW sets out the NSW Government’s approach to dealing with alcohol abuse over the next four years. To correspond with the document's release, the NSW Government has launched the website: www.alcoholinfo.nsw.gov.au/response
2004	Magistrates support drug treatment program. A survey of NSW magistrates has found that the Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment (MERIT) initiative receives a high level of judicial support and provides good outcomes for both offenders and the community. MERIT is a voluntary program that aims to reduce drug-related crime by referring suitably motivated offenders with illicit drug problems into treatment. Media Release>>
2004	Success of drug referral program. An impressive report card has been given to the drug crime diversion program, Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment (MERIT), in the Final Report of the Lismore MERIT Pilot Program: PDF version (1236Kb) / Word Document (1379Kb)
2004	NSW Summit on Alcohol Abuse: Interim Progress Report has been released by the Special Minister of State, John Della Bosca: www.alcoholsummit.nsw.gov.au/
2004	MERIT - Program Evaluation and Monitoring Framework has been developed and implemented by the MERIT Program Evaluation and Monitoring Group: PDF version (467Kb)
2004	NSW Youth Drug Court expanded. At a special 5th anniversary for the Adult Drug Court, it was announced that the Youth Drug Court would be expanded. The Courts offer non-violent drug dependent offenders the opportunity to participate in the supervised community-based program of treatment and rehabilitation. Media Release>>
2004	Dangerous Drugs - New South Wales, Criminal Law - New South Wales Sentencing NSW. Reilly David et al: Magistrates' Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT): preliminary findings of a 12-month court diversion trial for drug offenders: in: Drug and Alcohol Review v.21 no.4 Dec 2002 p393-396