Dedicated 'meth' rehab beds a step closer

Thursday, 1 September 2016

• Liberal National Government closer to delivering rehab beds across WA 

The 52 dedicated residential rehabilitation beds and eight low-medical detox beds announced in the Liberal National Government's WA Meth Strategy are on track to be operational within months.

Mental Health Minister Andrea Mitchell said today tenders had closed for the provision of the extra beds to treat West Australians with methamphetamine-related problems.

"The Mental Health Commission has had a positive response to its call for tenders and is currently evaluating the offers to provide beds across a number of metropolitan and country regions," Ms Mitchell said.

"The State Government expects contracts to be finalised in October and the beds to begin operation from January 2017.

"These beds will provide important new support for families who desperately want help for their loved ones."

As part of the multi-faceted meth strategy, the Liberal National Government has allocated $9.8 million to provide an extra 60 beds and to expand community-based prevention and treatment services through its network of community alcohol and drug services.

The strategy also includes expanded school drug education for students, teachers and parents, to help reduce the harm caused by methamphetamine use in the community.  

Fact File

• In 2013, 3.8% of people in WA reported having used amphetamine or methamphetamine during that year
• Rate of use in WA is lower than a decade ago, but potency of the drug has increased causing greater level of harm to the community