The Liberal National Government is investing $520,000 over two years to support the pilot program for residential drug rehabilitation in Rockhampton.
The program will be delivered by Healthy Options Australia (HOA) Drug ARM (Awareness, Rehabilitation and Management) Australasia, a for-purpose organisation committed to reducing the harms of alcohol and other drug use.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said the bold new initiative will be implemented as a key measure of the Government’s efforts to tackle the scurge of drug and alcohol addiction in Central Queensland.
“Our Government is committed to supporting Australian communities in their fight against substance abuse,” Minister Hunt said.
“Alcohol and drug misuse affects not just the individuals involved, but the people and communities around them.”
“Rehabilitation services are crucial to enable people with substance problems to get their lives back on track.”
Hard-working Capricornia MP, Michelle Landry, welcomed the funding and said the support will deliver real benefits to the region.
“There’s not a single Central Queenslander who doesn’t understand the peril the region is in when it comes to substance abuse, especially with drugs like Ice.”
“While there are providers doing what they can and doing a great job already, our region is crying out for more services to help those who find themselves trapped in a dependant situation, essentially held hostage by a substance.”
“This HOA service trial is an exciting one as we expect it to address 350 clients each year through their 12 week programme, with 2,880 individual consultations and 192 group sessions.”
“I am confident this service will be well utilised by our community and I look forward to it having a positive effect on CQ families,” Ms Landry said.
These latest initiatives continue the Government’s unprecedented investment in drug and alcohol treatment services, with an estimated $720 million over four years.
The Liberal Nation Government’s strong economic management ensures the continued record investment into vital health initiatives including mental health, life-saving medicines, Medicare and hospitals.