The federal government will provide $268 million to continue support for Australians battling alcohol and drug issues.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the funding over three years from 2019-20 to 2021-22 will be provided to regionally-based Primary Health Networks.
He said the Northern Queensland PHN would receive $1.284m per year over the next three years as part of the package.
“Drugs do not discriminate. Their effects are felt deeply and can continue for years,” Mr Entsch said.
“Alcohol and drug misuse doesn’t just affect the person. It affects families, friends and the surrounding community.
“We 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.
“For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.”
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said this announcement provides continuity of important drug and alcohol treatment and support services and complements state and territory funding.
“As a new initiative, our government has committed $7.2 million over two years to pilot a take-home naloxone (THN) program in Australia,” Minister Hunt said.
“Naloxone is a drug that can temporarily reverse opioid overdose.”
“In 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.”
“Concurrent 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.
“The findings of this research will complement the ‘on the ground’ findings of the pilot, which will enable the THN model to be refined to a national rollout.”
Fast facts:
- 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.
