Mission Australia has been awarded a tender to provide a residential rehabilitation and sobering up shelter in Darwin.
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Katherine already has a variety of community based supports are available, as well as residential rehabilitation facilities.
The alcohol rehab centres are all part of the Nt Government’s roll out of its new grog laws in the next few months.
“Territorians are entitled to feel safe and enjoy safe and vibrant communities,” Health Minister Natasha Fyles Ms Fyles said.
“While alcohol is a major part of many Territorian’s social and recreational lives we have to acknowledge that the rates of alcohol related harm, violence and crime in the Territory far outstrip the national averages and have to be addressed.
“The CLP scrapped the BDR without having anything in its place. When alcohol related harm spiked they rushed through an ineffective and costly system of Alcohol Mandatory Treatment (AMT).
“We promised Territorians we would stop the failed AMT policies and bring back the BDR – and we are delivering.
“The BDR will operate across the Territory from September 1, blocking problem drinkers from buying take away alcohol and redirecting them to rehabilitation.”
Mission Australia has now been selected, through an independent open-style tender process, as the preferred provider of the Berrimah facility that includes:
- 40 bed sobering up shelter (operated by Mission Australia)
- 40 bed residential rehabilitation service (operated by Mission Australia)
- 12 bed specialist alcohol assessment and withdrawal service (operated by the Top End Health Services)
Minister Fyles said co-locating the services will provide a one-stop shop for treatment.
“This co-location of a range of services streamlines the process for clients and boosts client treatment outcomes,” she said.
“Mission Australia will offer a 12-week residential Alcohol and Other Drugs therapeutic support program with voluntary admission.
“Referrals will be accepted from clients, their families, clinicians, courts and other rehabilitation organisations.”
The Territory Government also funds a range of therapy services to assist with Alcohol and other drug misuse across the Northern Territory.
A variety of community based supports are available, as well as residential rehabilitation facilities in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine.
Legislation to bring back the BDR is expected to pass parliament next month.