Member for Barker Tony Pasin has hit out at“unacceptable” Federal Labor Government funding delays to Barker organisations providing alcohol and other drug support services.
The Coalition Government committed more than $343m over four years under an extension of the National Ice Action Strategy (NIAS).
The commitment was made in the ongoing fight to reduce the impact of ice, other drugs and alcohol commencing from the 2022 to 2023 financial year.
The funding would allow three organisations, located in the Limestone Coast and Murraylands, to continue existing vital support services.
The Limestone Coast organisations who were to receive the funding were the Limestone Coast Local Government Association for Substance Misuse Limestone Coast and Uniting Communities for New Roads.
The funding was announced earlier this year and Mr Pasin said the Coalition had funded the continuation of services expecting the funding to be rolled out to ensure their continuation, however the Labor government was yet to provide the funding for the organisations.
Mr Pasin called on the government to release the funding “immediately” and give certainty to staff and clients.
“These organisations will be unable to continue services and programs will be forced to cease if funding is not received soon,” Mr Pasin said.
“Since 2016, the National Ice Action Strategy (NIAS) has helped thousands of people gain access to treatment programs and supported communities across Australia to tackle local drug and alcohol issues with local solutions.
“This is particularly important in regions that are not in close proximity to metropolitan based Alcohol and other Drug (AOD) services, allowing clients to access help while remaining in their community with their support network of family and friends.”
Mr Pasin said he advocated strongly for NIAS funding to continue for organisations in the Limestone Coast and Murray Mallee because these programs had made a real difference to people’s lives.
“To have these programs cease would leave a substantial service gap in these communities,” Mr Pasin said.
“I’m calling for the Minister to release the budgeted funding as a matter of urgency and give certainty to the staff and clients these programs will continue.”
