Thursday, 28 August 2025

 Katherine COPSEY (Southern Metropolitan) (12:57): (1798) My question is to the Minister for Mental Health. The health service Reconnexion, based in Malvern East, has provided support and counselling to thousands of people dependent on benzodiazepines since 1986 and remains the only state government funded pharmaceutical-specific treatment service in Victoria. Benzodiazepines were involved in 269 fatal overdoses in 2024, nearly half of all fatal overdoses in Victoria, and this trend has gone on for years. Last year Reconnexion lost approximately $400,000, and its service provision is in jeopardy. Over the past year it has been self-funded by the community health service Each, and this is not sustainable. People with benzodiazepine dependence are atypical of other alcohol and drug treatment clients and require specialist services. Reconnexion’s client group and the GPs who support them are highly concerned that it could be under pending closure. Can the minister offer an assurance to these Victorians and indicate what specific supports will be available to assist them?