The Supreme Court has today backed the planning pathway for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility proposed for Glenelg to help South Australians taking proactive steps to address dependency issues.
The Honourable Justice Judy Hughes refused an application against the proposed 12-bed therapeutic facility, ruling that Health Minister Chris Picton had correctly applied the provisions of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 when supporting and endorsing the facility as “essential infrastructure” prior to referring it to the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) for consideration.
SCAP has assessed the development application and the matter is now before the Planning Minister for a final determination.
The Malinauskas Labor Government is delivering on an election commitment to invest $25.1 million for more drug and alcohol rehab and detox services, including 12 beds in metropolitan Adelaide.
If approved, the rehabilitation service at Glenelg will be delivered by experienced practitioners as part of a multi-disciplinary team at Uniting Communities, with staff on site 24 hours a day.
Residential rehabilitation is a voluntary, abstinence-based program. Participants have demonstrated a commitment to change and are subject to extensive screening as well as drug and alcohol testing prior to joining the program and throughout it.
It will be a safe, alcohol-free, drug-free and smoke-free environment where people are supported to learn constructive coping strategies for addressing their long-term behaviours. This includes counselling, goal setting, and building skills such as budgeting, cooking and cleaning.
Evidence suggests approximately 50-60 per cent of people who are able to complete residential rehabilitation are able to address their substance concerns for the long-term, successfully reintegrating into society while being supported.
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Attributable to Chris Picton
I am delighted with the Supreme Court decision today, refusing the application against our proposed drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation facility at Glenelg.
This is a much-needed essential health service that will help many South Australians actively choosing to overcome alcohol and drug dependency. It’s a drug-and-alcohol-free voluntary program for South Australians who want to work towards a healthier future.
We are focused on providing the best support possible for South Australians taking proactive, voluntary steps to break the cycle of alcohol and drug addiction.
It is deeply disappointing that Liberal Member for Morphett Stephen Patterson continues to scaremonger about this facility and add to the stigma and shame felt by people who battle with addiction. This can have harmful consequences by preventing or delaying someone from seeking help, resulting in poorer mental and physical health outcomes.
Substance dependency and misuse are issues that can affect anyone and we should all provide compassion and support.
Attributable to Drug and Alcohol Services of South Australia Statewide Clinical Director Dr Victoria Cock
A person requires therapeutic intervention, in conjunction with abstinence and other professional care, in order to achieve long-term recovery. Delayed treatment could damage a person’s mental and physical health, thereby increasing the likelihood of relapse.
It is essential to recovery that, while receiving this treatment and living in a supported environment, consumers are interacting with the broader community such as in shops and leisure facilities.
This affords them a longer term supported opportunity to put theory into practice through exposure to external influences and stresses that are encountered through daily life, as well as offering opportunities to build life skills and social connections.
Attributable to South Australian Network of Drug and Alcohol Services Executive Director Michael White
This decision is a recognition by the Supreme Court that this drug and alcohol rehab facility is essential infrastructure. It helps to reduce the stigma faced by people seeking treatment.
If approved, this facility will go some way to addressing the significant shortfall in treatment available for South Australians.
I congratulate the State Government for investing in services to help South Australians seeking to overcome alcohol and drug dependency issues.
