Cash boost for drug programmes and courts

An increase in funding for drug and alcohol abuse initiatives and the courts has been announced.

Next week's budget will include $39 million for five more courthouse replacements or expansions, Court Minister Rick Barker said.

A range of drug and alcohol programmes was also announced by Progressive Leader Jim Anderton.

Mr Anderton said the National Depression Initiative would fund a media campaign, health workers' training and community programmes to help people with mild to moderate depression.

The budget will include $6.53 million over four years to fund an depression awareness advertising campaign, $3.23 million over four years to drug reduction programmes, and $1.88 million over four years to help police enforce liquor laws.

Depression and other mood disorders were a key factor causing suicide which could be treated if people sought help.

"Until now, too many of us have tended to stick our heads in the sand and pretend we could just ride out the depression," Mr Anderton said.

"We need to encourage people to seek help earlier."

The $3.23 million drugs spending would support efforts to reduce demand for drugs and improve treatment services for drug addicts.

The money would set up five new community action programmes in communities with high drug use.

These would be decided in July with contracts in place by October, Mr Anderton said.

The $1.88 million alcohol spending would fund additional liquor licensing officers and their administrative support.

Mr Anderton said his two-man party, which is in coalition with Labour, had secured the budget funding because it was determined to reduce the harm caused drugs, drinking and depression.

The spending programme for the courts would be part of 10 year capital works programme to modernise them, Mr Barker added.

Many courts need substantial expansion, safety improvements and new recording technology.

"Although there are many courts on the list for building work, the 100-year-old Levin Court and Invercargill gain funds for a new courthouse," Mr Barker said.

The budget also funds a land purchase to replace New Plymouth courthouse, an overhaul of Hastings courthouse and the expansion of Manukau District Court.

Mr Barker said a quarter of courthouses are 100 years old and 50 per cent at 50 years on with ad hoc additions made since.

New buildings will include security improvements.

"There's been a number of security breaches at court recently and am sure the new security measures will greatly improve the courts' ability to manage security incidents," Mr Barker said.

- NZPA