Arabic version: بدء أولى جلسات المحكمة التجريبية للمحاربين القدامى في أديلايد

According to ABC News, South Australia’s Veterans Court Pilot Program will begin sittings on August 3, creating an Australian-first therapeutic sentencing court for eligible veterans. The 12-month pilot will operate for half a day each month at the Elizabeth Magistrates Court in Adelaide’s northern suburbs.

The specialist court is designed to connect veterans with rehabilitation and support services before sentencing, while recognising the effects of military service on veterans and their families. Veterans facing summary or indictable charges in Adelaide magistrates courts may seek referral after pleading guilty to the most serious and majority of charges.

At an initial hearing, the court will assess veteran status, the relationship between service and offending, and a participant’s willingness to undertake rehabilitation. A Griffiths remand may then allow treatment and rehabilitation before sentencing, with regular court reviews to track progress. All South Australian magistrates may preside over the program.

The initiative was developed through collaboration between the SA Department for Correctional Services and Defence Kidz, with representatives from Open Arms and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs also involved. Chris Tilley, senior advisor for Veterans Services at DCS, said the program responded to Royal Commission recommendation 88 on supporting incarcerated veterans during and after custody. Defence lawyer James Caldicott said major indictable drug, violence and sexual offences would not be diverted to the court, while other serious matters ordinarily heard by magistrates could be triaged. Advocates hope the model will be reviewed regularly and eventually introduced in other states and territories.