BARKER MP Tony Pasin has been in discussions with Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt “for some time” on the region’s drug action strategy, saying various moves are afoot behind the scenes to tackle harmful drug use.
Mr Pasin said he was encouraging his parliamentary colleague to visit the Limestone Coast and discuss drug and alcohol rehabilitation needs in the region.
Last year, the South East was excluded from accessing $20m in Federal Government drug and alcohol rehabilitation funding, with only existing services located in nine areas across the state eligible to apply.
At the time Mr Pasin noted the funding opportunity did not exclude Mount Gambier-based organisations from applying, providing their proposal delivers increased services into an area of need as determined by the government.
However, Mr Pasin sought to reassure constituents he was continuing to “work quietly behind the scenes” in collaboration with the Federal Government to tackle harmful drug use.
“I’m aware the Mount Gambier community wants additional services for people dealing with alcohol and other drug abuse,” he said.
“I’m aware because I live in Mount Gambier and I listen and understand the community.
“I know that I can deliver by advocating behind the scenes.
“This is how I delivered the MRI licence for Mount Gambier, the airport upgrade funding, the recreation centre funding and it’s how I brokered the deal between the council and Rex to ensure cheaper airfares.
“I am speaking to Minister Hunt on this issue and have been for some time.”
Late last year, State Health Minister Stephen Wade wrote to Mr Hunt welcoming the $20m contribution, but supported further investment in drug and alcohol services in South Australia and “the opportunity to provide input on the target regions”.
In the letter, Mr Wade acknowledged SA Health – the department of which he is responsible for – participated in consultation with the Commonwealth Government to determine which regions had an unmet rehabilitation need.
Mr Wade did not detail the need for increasing drug and alcohol funding South East, in prompting a stinging rebuke from South Australian Labor MLC Clare Scriven, who labelled the letter as a “pathetic and half-hearted” approach.
Ms Scriven said the “pathetic” attempt was further evidence of Mr Wade’s interest in the region.
She also questioned why Mr Pasin was not fighting for the South East, with the Federal MP responding he “did not need to make a song and dance publicly” to deliver for the region.
