$268 MILLION TO CONTINUE THE BATTLE AGAINST ALCOHOL & DRUG MISUSE
The Liberal National Government will provide $268 million to continue support for Australians battling alcohol and drug issues.
Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the funding over three years from 2019-20 to 2021-22 will be provided to regionally based Primary Health Networks (PHNs), providers of residential and non-residential withdrawal management and rehabilitation programs, alcohol and peak drug organisations and other national activities already supported by our Government.
- From 1 July 2019, PHNs across Australia will receive $45 million a year for alcohol and other drug treatment services which will provide stability to services and meet the needs of local communities.
- Withdrawal management and rehabilitation services currently receiving Government funding can apply for a share of $29 million a year in continued funding to provide evidence-based treatment services for individuals most in need.
- Four national research centres will receive $24 million over three years to continue to undertake research into alcohol and other drug issues including the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction, the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, the Centre for Youth Substance Research and the National Drug Research Institute.
- Additionally, funding of $4.9 million a year will continue for alcohol and peak drug organisations and complementary national treatment sector capacity building activities.
âMetro South Region which delivers for residents in Bonner will receive more than $1.4 million with $152,000 dedicated for Bonner. This is great news for constituents in Bonner who need assistance.â
Health Minister Greg Hunt said this announcement provides continuity of important drug and alcohol treatment and support services and complements state and territory funding.
âAs a new initiative, our Government has committed $7.2 million over 2 years to pilot a take-home naloxone (THN) program in Australia,â Minister Hunt said.
âIn partnership with the States and Territories, a THN program will expand availability of naloxone to a range of additional settings frequently accessed by at-risk groups.â
âConcurrent to the pilot, the Commonwealth has provided over $100,000 funding to the Burnett Institute to undertake research, with the National Drug Research Institute, into the key principles and features of a nationally consistent THN model in Australia.â
âThe findings of this research will complement the âon the groundâ findings of the pilot, which will enable the THN model to be refined to a national rollout.â
Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said communities like ours in Bonner can be hit hard by substance misuse. Its effects are felt deeply and can continue for years.
âAlcohol and drug misuse doesnât just affect the person. It affects families, friends and the surrounding community,â Mr Vasta said.
âWe know that people impacted by alcohol and drugs need to be able to access appropriate support when and where they need it. This funding will help provide this access.â
âFor free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.â