AMalinauskas Labor Government would target the devastating impacts of illicit drugs including ice addiction in South Australia with a $25.1m commitment to rehabilitation for people who are drug dependent and support for impacted families.
National data from the wastewater drug monitoring program shows the escalating crisis in SA with methamphetamine, which in its purest form is known as ice.
Methamphetamine is the most consumed illicit drug in the nation, and SA recorded the highest estimated average capital city and regional consumption of the drug in April 20211.
SA Labor Leader Peter Malinauskas said, if elected at the March 19 State Election, his party would commit $19.5m to funding 20 community drug and alcohol rehabilitation beds across the state.
This would include 12 beds in metropolitan Adelaide, in addition to eight beds committed for Mount Gambier and Port Augusta.
“Labor will work in partnership with local organisations already delivering effective drug and alcohol services on the ground, to build on established services,” Mr Malinauskas said.
“Labor is committing more than $4.6m to set up and operate two dedicated drug and alcohol detox beds in Mount Gambier Hospital.
“Community health workers in the South East are warning there is an urgent demand for detox beds in the region.”
Mr Malinauskas said Labor would boost its previous support for Family Drug Support, with a $1m investment, representing $250,000 each year over four years.
“This funding will go toward vital counselling and support for the families who are affected when a loved one becomes drug dependent, with a focus on regional SA, Aboriginal families and recruitment of volunteers to provide more family support groups,” he said.
“A national analysis has estimated the social cost of ice use in Australia at more than $5b.
“We know the devastation caused by ice addiction across our South Australian community.
“Every day right across our state there are families grappling with their loved one’s drug dependence and the devastating impacts in their homes.
“We are determined to tackle addiction and break the cycle through expanded rehabilitation services, but also to support families desperately trying to help their loved ones.”
