The Hon. Greg Hunt MP
Minister for Health
Senator the Hon. Richard Colbeck
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources
Liberal Senator for Tasmania
Gavin Pearce
Liberal for Braddon
6 April 2019
The Liberal National Government is investing an additional $6.3 million for new residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatment facilities and services on the North West Coast.
The new residential facilities will build on the important work done by the City Mission at their Serenity House project at Sulphur Creek, and provide more options for those in need of assistance in the Smithton and Circular Head region.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said the Government is committed to supporting Australian communities in their fight against substance abuse.
“We continue to invest strongly in drug and alcohol services in North West Tasmania,” 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.”
This funding comes in addition to the recently delivered $4.8 million North West Mental Health Package, which was a commitment made during the Braddon by-election.
Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said the new $6.3 million investment would include the construction of new facilities in Burnie and the establishment of much needed services in Smithton together with operational funding for three years.
“City Mission has identified a need to deliver additional services to the North West and this funding will mean a new Serenity House with 10 beds in a new $2.5 million purpose-built facility.” Senator Colbeck said.
“There is also a need to expand the reach of drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation to the Circular Head region, with the Commonwealth providing $600,000 in seed funding to establish a new 8 bed facility in Smithton which will provide important capacity into the health system.”
Liberal for Braddon Gavin Pearce welcomed the additional investment in these health services in the North West.
“I know alcohol and other drug abuse is an issue for the region and it is something I’ve been speaking about with the Senator,” Mr Pearce said.
“Drug misuse, including the use of ice, can be devastating for our communities.
“I’m pleased the Liberal National Government is building on its record to provide $6.3m for the facilities and services to help vulnerable people and their families who are seeking help to beat addiction in the North West.”
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.
