LABOR MLC Clare Scriven has called on Health Minister Stephen Wade to lobby to change the criteria for the $20m federal package of drug and alcohol treatment funding to include the South East.
Ms Scriven moved a four part motion in parliament this week noting the recent Federal fund for drug and alcohol treatment is not open to services in the South East and sought to extend the grant eligibility.
The motion called on Minister Wade to lobby his Federal Liberal counterparts to include the South East as an area of high need.
Ms Scriven’s moves follows last week’s announcement of an additional $20m boost for “areas of need”, which include Port Adelaide, Playford, Onkaparinga, Port Augusta, Ceduna and Murray Bridge.
Service providers in the Limestone Coast and the Riverland are not eligible to apply for the grants.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said he would continue to work with Barker MP Tony Pasin to support people who are recovering from substance use dependence.
“Effective members like Tony Pasin are always fighting for their electorates,” he said.
“Tony has spoken to me, highlighting the needs in Mount Gambier for those in his community facing drug and alcohol challenges.
“The Liberal National Government has committed more than $720m over four years to reduce the impact of drug and alcohol misuse on individuals, families and communities.”
