2016-05-30
The Greens have committed $12m to fund the first Aboriginal residential rehabilitation service in the South West of Western Australia.
“The establishment of such a service in the South West has been a long standing priority for the community sector in WA, who say it is desperately needed in the region”, Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert said today.
“Such a rehabilitation centre is essential if we are to address alcohol and other drug addiction issues in order to close the gap and reduce disadvantage.
“When programs or initiatives have been evidenced to effectively reduce drug and alcohol addiction they should be developed and viewed as an investment in our community rather than a cost.
“Evidence shows that community driven residential treatment reduces drug use and criminality whilst improving physical and psychological health.
“At the moment there are only two Aboriginal specific residential rehabilitation services in Western Australia, both are in the Kimberley. Quite frankly, I'm astonished that we don't already have this service when the evidence shows residential rehabilitation services are a key part of long term recovery.
“The Greens propose $12m to fund an Aboriginal-specific residential rehabilitation service in the South West, this is in line with recommendations by the West Australian Council of Social Services in their pre-budget submission.”
WA Greens candidate for Canning Aeron Blundell-Camden, said:
"In my career as a school psychologist, I have worked with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in communities across the state, including in Mandurah. I have found that providing services which are culturally safe and appropriate is essential to improving service engagement and maximising therapeutic benefits for Aboriginal clients.
"If we are truly serious about closing the gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples we must address substance addiction and misuse in the community. Initiatives such as the one announced by Senator Siewert today are not just welcomed, but completely necessary".