Claims about drug treatment services in Kalgoorlie rejected

1/12/98

Claims that drug treatment services in Kalgoorlie have not expanded since the August release of a report by the Select Committee into the Misuse of Drugs Act have been rejected by the Minister for the WA Drug Abuse Strategy, Rhonda Parker.

The Member for Kalgoorlie, Megan Anwyl, reportedly claimed that the Community Drug Service Team, which works with other health services, was in place when the Select Committee visited the area in April and is not an expansion of services.

However, the Minister said when the Committee visited Kalgoorlie, the team had only just been established so its effectiveness could not be assessed.

"The Community Drug Service Team in fact represents a substantially expanded treatment service in the region," Mrs Parker said.

"The team provides drug and alcohol treatment services, helps other departments and agencies deal with clients experiencing alcohol and drug problems and supports community initiatives to prevent the misuse of drugs.

"The Select Committee also stopped short of actually recommending the establishment of a residential drug detoxification and rehabilitation facility in the Goldfields.

"Rather, it recommended a feasibility study into such a facility, and into a number of other programs, which will be undertaken by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office," Mrs Parker said.

Tomorrow a Community Service Directory for Kalgoorlie-Boulder listing the alcohol and drug agencies in the area will be launched. "The directory, produced by the Goldfields Local Drug Action Group with the support of the Goldfields Community Drug Service Team, will give parents, the general community and professionals information to access the wide range of available health and welfare services."

Media Contact: Owen Cole, 9481 7810