Program proven to reduce reoffending expanded to South Coast

Tuesday, 10 June 2025

A program proven to improve the health and wellbeing of defendants in NSW and reduce the risk of reoffending has recently commenced in Batemans Bay, Bega, Moruya and Narooma. This is part of an expansion of the NSW MERIT program to help more people access the support they need to address alcohol and other drug use.

MERIT is a Local Court-based initiative to divert people into treatment who have issues related to their alcohol and drug use.

The expansion of MERIT will enable the program to reach approximately 93 per cent of eligible defendants across NSW through a total of 89 sites by 30 June 2026.

A new study led by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre found that MERIT participants who complete the program were much less likely to reoffend or receive a prison sentence. The evaluation included more than 22,400 defendants and found the program also reduced their risk of death from any cause in the two years following completion.

A 2024 study by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research also found that that the criminal justice and health benefits associated with the program exceed the cost of delivering MERIT.

MERIT is a Local Court diversion program that provides access to a range of alcohol and drug treatment services for 12 weeks while court matters are adjourned. Participation is voluntary and does not require a plea of guilty to be eligible. Adult defendants can be referred to MERIT by magistrates, police officers, lawyers, their families or themselves.

To be eligible for MERIT a defendant must:

• consent to participate in the program
• have a treatable alcohol and/or drug issue
• live or work in an area that provides MERIT.

The program is designed to provide treatment that is responsive to underlying health and social welfare issues which can contribute to contact with the criminal justice system.

Prior to its expansion, MERIT was available at 62 Local Courts across NSW (55 Drug MERIT sites and 7 Alcohol and Drug MERIT sites). Including the four new south coast sites and other locations, it is now available at 80 Local Courts in NSW.

Since its inception at Lismore Local Court in 2000, more than 45,000 people have participated in MERIT across NSW and evaluations have demonstrated positive health and criminal justice outcomes.

MERIT is an inter-agency partnership between the Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Health, the Chief Magistrate’s Office and NSW Police. It is also supported by Legal Aid NSW and the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT).

For more information about the program, visit the MERIT website

Batemans Bay Circuit Magistrate Doug Dick said:

“Offences coming before the Courts involving substance use are of concern to Courts and communities.

“MERIT has a record of being effective in improving health and wellbeing of accused persons, with evaluations consistently showing it ultimately leads to reduced contact with the criminal justice system.

“I am very pleased the program has now commenced in Batemans Bay, Bega, Moruya and Narooma. MERIT’s introduction should be welcomed by far south coast communities, and I hope it will also be rolled out to Eden Local Court soon.”

MERIT Manager for Southern NSW Local Health District Elizabeth Keir said:

“The expansion of the MERIT program to coastal areas of Southern NSW is an exciting time for our team – all of whom are passionate about supporting all people who have a treatable alcohol or other drug problems.

“The MERIT team provide support working with eligible participants on an agreed treatment plan which can include counselling and case management, welfare support, withdrawal management, opioid agonist treatment and residential rehabilitation.”