This Supplementary Order Paper amends clause 4 in the Psychoactive Substances (Increasing Penalty for Supply and Distribution) Amendment Bill to add a new section 70(4) to the Psychoactive Substances Act 2013.

This amendment allows the Judge to adjourn proceedings to obtain further information which may be relevant to the sentencing decision, including the availability of rehabilitation and health services, and whether they are best accessed in the community or in custody.

The deaths and harm caused by synthetic drugs are extremely disturbing to the public and our legislation must reflect this level of concern. To address this, a health-based response is needed and any offender needs to be placed where his or her health needs can be best addressed.