People with severe substance abuse and who are placed into compulsory treatment will have more protections and be held for a shorter period, under new legislation.
The Substance Addiction (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Bill has been introduced to Parliament by Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne.
The new law provides for the compulsory treatment of people with severe substance addiction and severely impaired capacity, and who aren't in a state to voluntary engage in treatment.
"Most people who abuse alcohol or other drugs do not need compulsory treatment," Mr Dunne said. "However, some people are so unwell that they are not able to make that decision for themselves."
The new bill will repeal and replace the Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Act 1996. Unlike the current law, it will permit only a short period of compulsory treatment.
