Tuesday, 16 June 2026

 Roma BRITNELL (South-West Coast) (19:15): (1705) My adjournment matter is to the Minister for Health, and the action I seek is for the minister to urgently commit funding to the proposed WRAD Health Lookout residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in Warrnambool. Alarming new figures released by the Penington Institute highlight why this project cannot be delayed any longer. The report reveals that Victoria recorded its deadliest year on record for unintentional drug deaths, with 572 Victorians losing their lives in 2024. Across Australia seven people die from overdose every day. These are not statistics; these are parents, workers, friends and families whose lives have been cut short. Particularly alarming is that Australians in their 40s and 50s are now the age group most likely to die from an accidental drug overdose. Opioids remain the most common drug involved in fatal overdoses, while deaths involving stimulants and cocaine continue to rise. Penington Institute chief executive John Ryan described the situation as one of Australia’s most urgent public health emergencies. His warning should be a wake-up call for this Allan Labor government. What is missing here is not evidence; what is missing is political urgency, and that is exactly what communities in south-west Victoria have been saying for years. Despite the clear and growing need, south-west Victoria remains the only region in Victoria without a committed, proposed or under-construction residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. This glaring gap in service provision has existed for far too long. Families in the south-west are still forced to send loved ones hundreds of kilometres away for treatment, if they can access treatment at all.

The local community, health providers and advocates have worked tirelessly to develop the WRAD Health proposal. They have demonstrated the need, identified the solution and built the strong community support. What is missing is a commitment from the Allan Labor government. The proposed Lookout rehab centre would change that. It would provide a local pathway of recovery, giving people the opportunity to receive treatment close to their families, support networks and communities. We know these connections are critical to long-term recovery, yet despite the overwhelming need and the strong community support, this project continues to sit on the government’s never-ending list of promises and delays. Every year of inaction means that more people miss out on treatment, more families are left struggling and more pressure is placed on hospitals, emergency services and community organisations. The evidence is clear, the need is undeniable and the community support is there. What is required now is leadership and a government that does what it says. A Wilson-led coalition government will make the Lookout rehabilitation centre a priority and ensure the people of Warrnambool and south-west Victoria have access to the same life-changing rehabilitation services available in other regions. It is time for a fresh start, Victoria.