Opposition spokeswoman for mental health Emma Kealy was in Traralgon today to announce plans to build and fund a residential rehabilitation centre for the Latrobe Valley should the Liberal Nationals be elected to government next month.
The election promise comes after the state government committed to building a 20-bed youth rehabilitation facility in Latrobe with funds from the 2018/19 budget, which will be built regardless of whether Labor are re-elected or not.
Ms Kealey said the $7 million, 24-hour, 18 to 20-bed facility would address the need for rehabilitation services in the region.
“When people decide they need to break the cycle of addiction, we need to make sure the supports are there to help them regain their life,” Ms Kealy said.
“Waiting lists for residential rehabilitation have blown out in Victoria under Labor, with some people being told they have to wait up to a year, and that’s just not good enough.
“A Liberal Nationals Government will make sure that when people in the Latrobe Valley are struggling and need help for drug and alcohol addiction, residential rehabilitation services will be there for them and their families.”
The Nationals candidate for Morwell Sheridan Bond and Liberal candidate for Morwell Dale Harriman joined Ms Kealy for the announcement.
“I’ve been working closely with local groups, like Latrobe Valley Family Drug Support, who are determined to see a local residential rehabilitation centre to make sure people seeking help for addiction can get that help locally, close to family and friends, and other people in their support network,” Ms Bond said.
“These centres save lives and they change lives – we need one in the Valley and I’m so pleased to be here today delivering it.”
