A COALITION government would deliver at least 180 new alcohol and other drug rehabilitation and withdrawal beds in six regions, including Mildura, if elected in November, its leader says.
The election commitment, made by Opposition Leader Matthew Guy and Opposition mental health spokesperson Emma Kealy, aims to support vulnerable Victorians who are at crisis point.
The beds would be spread across six new treatment centres in the Latrobe Valley, Mildura, Shepparton, Warrnambool, Frankston and Melbourne.
In May, Mildura received $36 million in funding in Labor’s 2021-22 state budget, to build a 30-bed alcohol and other drugs residential facility.
That facility is set to be the first rehab centre in the Mallee and allow those suffering from addiction the opportunity to seek treatment in their community.
Four months ahead of the November election, Mr Guy said the “shocking gaps” in Victoria’s drug treatment support services were costing lives.
“There have been growing calls from local communities and health services to better support the most vulnerable Victorians, which is exactly what a government I lead will deliver,” he said.
“The shortage of services is most difficult on those regional Victorians who, at a time when they need help the most, are forced to travel hundreds of kilometres away from their home and support networks.”
The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association, Windana, Odyssey House and the Salvation Army have all called for more AOD services, especially in regional Victoria.
Ms Kealy said the new plan supported Victorians from start to finish, by delivering both withdrawal beds and residential rehabilitation beds in a structured, health-based approach.
“Alcohol and drug addiction are complex, with far reaching impacts that affect not just individuals but their families, their friends and their communities,” she said.
“When struggling Victorians are ready to break the cycle, they deserve to have support available to help them, when they need it.”
