The Odyssey House McGrath Foundation and the Society of St Vincent de Paul drug and alcohol treatment services in Macarthur have been given funding certainty for another year.
The Federal Member for Macarthur, Russell Matheson, says Odyssey House and St Vincent de Paul could continue to offer long-term treatment and rehabilitation programs as a result of the government’s decision.
Mr Matheson said the assistant minister for health, Senator Fiona Nash, had extended funding to approximately 160 alcohol and drug treatment organisations until June 30 next year.
“The Government has now allocated $87 million in 2015-16 for alcohol and drug treatment activities provided by non-government organisations,” Mr Matheson said.
“This decision means that the Odyssey House McGrath Foundation and the Society of St Vincent de Paul and others across Australia can continue to offer their services to help individuals and families affected by substance abuse,’’ he said.
“Minimising the harm associated with alcohol and other drug misuse to individuals, families and communities is an important priority for the government.”
Mr Matheson said a review of the drug and alcohol treatment services sector, commissioned by the Department of Health, was currently under consideration by the Commonwealth and state and territory governments.
“The review was initiated in 2013 to examine the duplication and overlap between services and propose a better way forward,” Mr Matheson said.
“Extending funding for another 12 months will provide clarity and certainty for Odyssey House McGrath Foundation and the Society of St Vincent de Paul and others in the alcohol and other drug sector while these longer term plans are developed.”
Mr Matheson said the review’s findings required further analysis and consultation between the Commonwealth, states and territories, all of which provided funding for alcohol and other drug treatment.
Commonwealth funding provides treatment and support to individuals including mothers, teenagers and older Australians, as well as families and communities affected by substance misuse.
