Question details
Arrests for possession of cannabis
In relation to police arrest for the possession of cannabis:
(1) How many people were arrested by Victoria Police for the possession of cannabis in —
(a) 2020;
(b) 2021; and
(c) 2022.
(2) Of those identified in paragraph (1), how many identified as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in —
(a) 2020;
(b) 2021; and
(c) 2022.
(3) Of those identified in paragraph (1), how many fulfilled the conditions to be eligible to be issued a caution in —
(a) 2020;
(b) 2021; and
(c) 2022.
(4) Of those identified in paragraph (1), how many were issued a caution in —
(a) 2020;
(b) 2021; and
(c) 2022.
(5) Of those identified in paragraph (2), how many fulfilled the conditions to be eligible to be issued with a caution in —
(a) 2020;
(b) 2021; and
(c) 2022.
(6) Of those identified in paragraph (2), how many were issued with a caution in —
(a) 2020;
(b) 2021; and
(c) 2022.
I can advise that data produced by the Crime Statistics Agency shows that in 2020, 11,493 alleged offenders were arrested by police for the possession of Cannabis, of which 4,066 received a caution. This included 826 offenders who identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, of which 168 were cautioned.
In 2021, police recorded 2,632 cautions for the possession of Cannabis from 8,247 alleged offenders. Of these, 619 identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, with 132 receiving a caution.
In 2022, police recorded 2,902 cautions from 8,078 alleged offenders. Of these, 691 identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, with 170 receiving a caution.
Please note that Victoria Police does not collect data on alleged offenders eligible for a caution.
The Victorian Government knows that Aboriginal Victorians are overrepresented in the justice system. That is why our 2023-24 State Budget provided $5 million for the continuation of the Aboriginal Youth Cautioning program (AYCP). Developed through engagement with Aboriginal communities, this program is an important initiative that aims to reduce the overrepresentation of Aboriginal young people in the youth justice system.
Initially trialled in Bendigo, Echuca and Greater Dandenong, the program has now been expanded to more than 20 sites across the state. Since the roll out of this program, cautioning rates for alleged young offenders aged 10-17 years old have increased from 22 per cent in 2019 to 32 per cent in 2022. The rate of cautioning for first time youth offenders has increased from 53 per cent in 2019 to 72 per cent in 2022.
Hon Anthony Carbines MP
Minister for Police
Minister for Crime Prevention
Minister for Racing