The Palaszczuk Government has broken their promise to deliver a $15M Bundaberg Alcohol and Other Drug Facility by October 2023. *
According to the Premier’s own briefing notes, the Bundaberg residential rehabilitation and withdrawal service was due to be delivered this month, but the proposed site remains untouched.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett tabled a Question on Notice for the Minister for Health in parliament today:
Regarding the Premiers own briefing notes during her visit to Bundaberg in June 2022, where it says ‘$15M Bundaberg Alcohol and Other Drug Facility – a 2020 election commitment, expected delivery October 2023’. Can the Minister explain why the drug and alcohol centre is not built?
Mr Bennett said it’s yet another example of the chaos and crisis within the Labor Government.
“Our families and communities are paying the ultimate price while the Palaszczuk Government squabble between themselves and ignore our pleas for help,” he said.
“Rubbing salt into the wound, the Member for Bundaberg recently voted in favour of legislation to relax laws for those caught carrying a small quantity of heroin, cocaine, or ice.
“These are the insidious drugs that are tearing families apart and taking lives.”
Mr Bennett said the latest Penington Institute report found 46 people died in Bundaberg and the Burnett from accidental drug overdoses in just five years. **
“Unintentional overdose death has far outpaced our population growth over the past two decades,” he said.
“Our community can’t afford to wait.
“Today I’m calling on the Premier and the Health Minister to listen to the people of Bundaberg and deliver on their promises.”
ENDS.
** Source: https://www.penington.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/PEN_Annual-Overdose-Report-2023_FINAL.pdf
10/10/2023