Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt announces $20m boost to SA drug and alcohol rehabilitation services
Drug and alcohol rehabilitation services in South Australia will get a $20 million boost as the Federal Government steps up efforts to deal with the state’s ice epidemic.
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Drug and alcohol rehabilitation services in South Australia will get a $20 million boost as the Federal Government steps up efforts to deal with the state’s ice epidemic.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt will today announce additional funding for drug treatment services in identified areas of high need in SA.
The targeted regions include Port Adelaide, Playford, Onkaparinga, Fleurieu, Peterborough and Mid North, Port Augusta, Ceduna and Murray Bridge.
Wastewater testing shows illicit drug use continues to be a significant problem in SA.
“This funding will make a huge difference to South Australian communities by giving people with alcohol and drug issues the chance to get their lives back on track,’’ Mr Hunt, pictured, said. “This is especially true in areas such as those identified areas of need where these services may be limited.’’
The funding is being provided as part of a $40 million drug rehabilitation package the Government negotiated with Centre Alliance Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie earlier this year.
The Government promised to provide the extra funding in exchange for Centre Alliance supporting welfare reforms.
Ms Sharkie said the funding would deliver an important boost to drug rehabilitation services outside of metropolitan Adelaide.
“We know that drug and alcohol abuse is a real problem in rural and regional South Australia and these grants will mean that our communities will have the tools they so desperately need to combat the devastating consequences of drug and alcohol abuse,’’ Ms Sharkie said.
Treatment services will be able to apply for grants of up to $2.5 million each. Applications for grants open today and will close on December 20.
Alcohol and Drug Foundation chief executive Erin Lalor said support services were often difficult to access in regional and rural areas and this would help the problem.
Originally published as Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt announces $20m boost to SA drug and alcohol rehabilitation services
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