The shortage of drug rehabilitation services in the Shepparton region will be addressed by an election commitment from the Liberals and Nationals to provide new drug and alcohol rehabilitation and withdrawal beds.
Shepparton is one of five regional centres to benefit from at least 180 new alcohol or other drug (AOD) rehabilitation and withdrawal beds delivered through new all-age treatment centres.
Liberal candidate for Shepparton District, Cheryl Hammer, said regional communities like Shepparton had suffered from a shortage of alcohol and other drug medical services for too long.
“People here are often forced to travel hundreds of kilometres away and undergo treatment away from family and their other support networks in their darkest time. So having more beds available in their own hometown will be a huge relief,” she said.
Opposition leader Matthew Guy said 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,” Mr Guy said.
“By delivering these life-saving new treatment services, close to home, an elected Liberals government will make sure every person has the very best chance to get their life back on track.”
Current data shows a critical shortage of AOD beds in Victoria with a ratio of 0.74 rehabilitation beds per 10,000 people, which Mr Guy said was the second worst in the nation.
“It is so important that when struggling Victorians are ready to break the cycle, they deserve to have support available to help them, when they need it, and close to home,” Ms Hammer said.
Nationals deputy leader and Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy said the 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,” Ms Kealy said.
“When struggling Victorians are ready to break the cycle, they deserve to have support available to help them, when they need it.”