Renewed Hope for Broken Hill Rehab Centre After NSW Health Minister’s Commitment
In response to questions from Greens MP Cate Faehrmann during budget estimates today, NSW Health Minister Ryan Park agreed to meet with the local community who have been lobbying for years for a residential drug detoxification and rehabilitation facility in Broken Hill.
The Minister also agreed to have a look at their detailed proposal for a facility after Ms Faehrmann tabled it at the hearing.
“The nearest residential detox and rehab facilities to Broken Hill are at least 800 km away, meaning those seeking treatment, including many First Nations people, face significant hurdles even before treatment can begin,” said Ms Faehrmann.
“The tyranny of distance is real here, and the need is acute. It’s unacceptable that the people of Broken Hill and surrounding communities have gone without a residential detox and rehab centre for so long..
“The Minister’s response is welcome news for the many people and organisations who are behind this proposal and have put a hell of a lot of work into it. At least now we know he has to consider it.
“It’s the treatment facility Broken Hill needs and deserves. I’ll continue pushing this in the parliament until the ribbon is cut,” said Ms Faehrmann.