Ministers statements: drug harm reduction
Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:05): I rise to update the house on the latest addition to the care and support provided by the Salvation Army at the Bourke Street health clinic. For 130 years the Salvation Army has been supporting and providing compassionate care to people in our city facing hardship and disadvantage. This new clinic builds on that care, ensuring people can get the health care they need at the right time from people that they trust. In partnership with Cohealth and Alfred Health, this health clinic will deliver much-needed wraparound supports, including primary health care, such as GP appointments; nursing and wound care; mental health support provided by Alfred Health; pharmacotherapy services; and social service navigation, such as housing, financial and legal support. The Allan Labor government is proud to support the establishment of this clinic as part of our $95 million statewide action plan to save lives and reduce drug harms. The clinic is one of several key initiatives in the CBD, including $21 million for the City Street Health outreach program run by Cohealth, intensive case management for the most vulnerable CBD drug users, the CBD reference group and the soon-to-be established community health hub on Flinders Street. I am really proud to join the Premier and many of my colleagues to launch this important service, which we supported with a $2.9 million investment. Our government is committed to delivering the life-changing and life-saving care that is needed here in the CBD and across the state. We are proud to support care for those facing complex challenges free from judgement and stigma. Congratulations to everyone involved in this important service. I look forward to seeing its work thrive on Bourke Street for many, many years to come.