Month: September 2020

Adults and young people across Townsville and the region will have increased access to drug and alcohol treatment services as a result of an Australian Government investment of more than $6 million in the Salvation Army rehabilitation and detox centre.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, and Member for Herbert, Phillip Thompson OAM, welcomed the opening of the expanded residential rehabilitation and detox facility in Townsville today.
“The misuse of alcohol and other drugs is a serious health concern across Australia,” Minister Hunt said.
“Making sure people have access to the help and support they need with the misuse of alcohol and drugs where and when they need it, is an Australian Government priority.
“Since 2018, the Government has committed more than $800 million to reduce the impact of drug and alcohol misuse on individuals, families and communities through our Drug and Alcohol Program.
“The Salvation Army’s track record helping people recover from addiction and reach their full potential is a tribute to its practical support and compassionate care.
“The newly expanded facility has capacity for 10 patients as well as additional inpatient drug and alcohol treatment services.”
Member for Herbert, Phillip Thompson OAM, said alcohol, cannabis and methamphetamine use in North Queensland is a problem not only for the person affected, but for their family, friends and the wider community.
“The Salvation Army residential rehabilitation and detox facility is one we’re very fortunate to have on our doorstep,” Mr Thompson said.
“This means that people who reach out for help and support can get it right here in their own community, and that’s more likely to lead to a better outcome.
“I’m pleased we’ve been able to take this action to address the significant demand for appropriate drug and alcohol rehabilitation services in Townsville.
“There’s no magic bullet to beat addiction, but with the experience and expertise of the Salvation Army, many people will be able to take their first steps toward a stronger, healthier future.”
While state and territory governments are the primary funders of drug and alcohol treatment services, the Australian Government continues to invest significant funding for these services.
About $433 million is being invested in Primary Health Networks to commission locally-based treatment services in line with community needs. This includes $82.8 million for Indigenous-specific services.
Nearly $142 million in funding goes to services with a national and state-wide intake, such as residential rehabilitation services. This funding also includes important leadership activities to build capacity and quality within the sector.
If you want to speak to someone today please call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline for free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs on 1800 250 015.

Responding to the Supreme Court’s decision to grant Adani a temporary injunction to silence anti-Adani activist Ben Pennings, Senator for Queensland and Greens spokesperson for mining and resources, Senator Larissa Waters, said:
“I’m disgusted that a coal billionaire has used the courts to silence anti-Adani climate activist, Galilee Blockade leader Ben Pennings.
“We live in a broken democracy where big companies will do whatever they can to silence opposition.
“The fact that Adani, a multinational coal mining giant convicted of breaching multiple environmental conditions, has thrown its resources into shutting up a local protestor just shows how terrified they are of public scrutiny.
“Our civil laws are designed to protect against harm, so it’s outrageous to see them used to attack those trying to bring the harm being done by Adani to light.
“Adani has already bankrupted a traditional owner who dared to stand against them, now they’re trying to do the same to Ben Pennings.
“This is the same multi-national coal company that can’t get insurance, investors or even a railway because no-one wants anything to do with their climate-wrecking project.
“Adani are having to self-fund, self-insure and now self-haul, because the market can see there is no demand or social licence for new coal.
“Australians want their climate and water protected from being pillaged by multi-national coal companies for private profit.
“The big parties may be dancing to the tune of their coal donors, but the Greens will continue to stand with communities across the country standing against Adani’s destructive path.”

Supporting young people around Australia and their mental health is a priority for the Australian Government.
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day and “R U OK?” Day, Minister for Youth and Sport Richard Colbeck urged young people not to battle mental health issues on their own.
“It is particularly important this year as younger generations face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Morrison Government has prioritised mental health for all Australians, with a focus on youth and Indigenous Australians.
“It is vital for people to understand that lifting the mental burden starts with a simple conversation – with a friend, a colleague, a family member or somebody in a support role.”
Minister Colbeck said sharing personal issues with somebody is the first step toward a healthier outlook and a better life.
“We lose too many Australians before their time,” he said.  “The decision to take your life is a devastating one and has ripple effects for family and friends, often for generations.
“The Australian Government is more determined than ever to turn around these tragic statistics.”
Minister Colbeck said on top of recent actions to engage young people and identify the challenges they face, the Government has made a commitment of $509 million towards the Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan – the largest strategy of its kind in Australia’s history. Key areas include:

• Strengthening the headspace network by investing an additional $375.0 million to establish an additional 30 new services (10 centres and 20 satellites), reduce waiting times at existing services, continue the Early Psychosis Youth Services program, and expand the Young Ambassadors program;
• A focus on Indigenous suicide prevention with an investment of $14.5 million for tailored initiatives such as a national plan for culturally appropriate care; and
• Reinforcing early childhood and parenting support, by investing $11.8 million in initiatives such as Kids Helpline and batyr.

Minister Colbeck praised organisers for their work to engage those in need through initiatives like “R U OK?” Day which has established itself as an important annual fixture to raise awareness.
“Starting that conversation isn’t always easy but it is so important,” Minister Colbeck said. “Where ever you are, whatever your circumstance – you are not alone.”
Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline
(13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health.
More information about R U OK? Day can be found on the website.