The Hodgman Liberal Government is further taking action to respond to the needs of the community in tackling alcohol and drug addiction.
In tomorrow’s three daily newspapers, the Government is seeking submissions on our plan to increase the number of residential beds for people with an alcohol or drug dependence across the state by 30, meaning clients would be able to access residential services from anywhere in Tasmania.
This is a $6 million election commitment over three years, with funds to be made available to an organisation or organisations, and staffed by qualified and skilled personnel. This is the biggest increase in treatment that the State has ever funded.
It will provide a structured therapeutic residential rehabilitation environment 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to address alcohol or drug misuse or dependence issues, including support for families and carers.
The Tasmanian Government has a strong plan to develop an Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector that is better able to assist and support vulnerable Tasmanians in their time of need.
The Government is working to ensure the AOD sector is fully informed as we develop an Alcohol and Other Drugs Service System Framework for Tasmania together. This framework is being developed by the Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with the sector and Primary Health Tasmania, to guide service delivery into the future.
This commitment was part of a significant package taken to the election, with almost $10 million to bolster the AOD sector including:
- $2.5 million to secure the 12 new residential rehabilitation beds in the North-West – established by the State Government in 2015 – for three additional years; and
- $1 million for new community-based AOD supports and services.
Submissions from interested organisations to provide the additional 30 beds close on Friday, July 20.
