I am advised:

The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) recently released its annual recorded crime statistics that show that crime is generally stable in the Hunter, with only one offence (steal from motor vehicle) showing an upward trend.

The Law Reform Commission of NSW (LRC) is currently reviewing the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 including consideration of current sentencing principles, the need to ensure that sentencing courts are provided with adequate options and discretions and opportunities to simplify the law whilst providing a framework that ensures transparency and consistency. The LRC will report in October 2012. Details of the review are available on the Lawlink website.

There are currently a number of innovative court-based programs available in NSW, which are designed to discourage reoffending. Of these programs, the NSW Drug Court, Forum Sentencing and the Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program are all available within the Hunter region.

While the Drug Court and MERIT are designed to address the offender's drug and⁄or alcohol problems in order to prevent reoffending, Forum Sentencing is specifically designed to bring the offender face to face with the victim in order to discuss what happened, the harm caused by the offence and prepare an "intervention plan" for the offender.

The NSW Government has also committed resources to further measures aimed at reducing reoffending. This includes providing funding for education and training programs in prison and creating a dedicated Metropolitan Drug Treatment Facility for offenders (other than sex offenders) convicted of drug related crimes.