Gippsland › Latest news › Emma Kealy MP
Shocking increase in ketamine and heroin abuse but Andrews Labor government cuts $40M from prevention and treatment
Andrews Labor government will slash 100 jobs from services to help people addicted to alcohol or other drugs as part of a $39.8m funding cut inflicted on the completely-overwhelmed sector.
New data released today by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) revealed a shocking increase in alcohol and drug abuse, both in regional Victoria and in Melbourne. The timing of these Labor cuts couldn't come at a worse time. The National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Report found harmful use of illegal drugs ketamine, heroin and the amphetamine MDA are destroying the lives of Victorians more than anywhere else in the nation.
It also found that Victoria recorded the second highest average regional or capital city consumption of nicotine, methylamphetamine and cocaine
Unmatched pressure on the system
Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy said the Labor governmen's $39.8 million cut to treatment and prevention programs was the wrong move. "More Victorians are struggling with drug addiction at a time when there's unmatched pressure on the system. It leaves a big question mark over people's access to timely, adequate support," Ms Kealy said.
"Workforce shortages are leaving too many Victorians who are seeking treatment to get off drugs turned away from life-saving support which will help them get back on track."
"Every Victorian who has a family member who can't get AOD support and care must remember in November the harms of Labor's lockdowns and isolating restrictions, made worse by Labor's cruel cuts to the vital AOD workforce and support." Ms Kealy said.
Do more for Victorians
The ACIC analysed wastewater in December 2021 and February 2022, finding an increase in average consumption of Ice, cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, nicotine and alcohol in all 10 sites monitored across the state.
Ms Kealy said a Liberals and Nationals government, elected in November, will deliver new, practical solutions to boost the mental health workforce. "We'll implement the nation's largest recruitment drive which will see thousands of scholarships and relocation support packages offered to get more people into Victoria's mental health system as soon as possible," Ms Kealy said.
"Extra training places will also be made available for psychiatrists and psychologists so they can get to work helping vulnerable Victorians, sooner. We have a responsibility to do more for Victorians before they reach crisis point. Key to this is making sure there's enough psychologists, counsellors, GPs and mental health experts to deliver a boosted workforce that is properly resourced to recover and rebuild Victorians' good mental health." Ms Kealy said.
Pictures from Alcohol and Drugs Foundation website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
ANZAC Day events across South Gippsland and other shire council updatesCommunity feedback needed for East Gippsland Shire Council Draft 2024/25 Budget by 29 May 2024
Fresh food tax criticised by industry as lack of clarity on payment and collection will harm families and farmers
Russell Broadbent seeks answers to 20% increase in cardiac arrests by advocating investigation to include vaccine mandates
East Gippsland Shire Council highlights telecommunications infrastructure when advocating over thirty goals for community resilience and development
Russell Broadbent addresses nationwide Covid injustices-rights breaches, lockdowns, mandates and waste of $577B on vaccine and tests
Students from Orbost Community College tour East Gippsland Water facilities to learn about water safety, filtration and potential careers
Drouin wastewater treatment plant instals Australia's largest floating solar array of 644 panels as part of Gippsland Water renewable energy plan
Gippsland Water aids Wellington Mint-bush conservation through genetic research to increasing numbers and diversity
Latrobe City Council launches 'International Connections' book to celebrate 20-year anniversary of sister city agreements