Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath has raised serious questions of the Andrews Labor
Government promise to provide funding to acquire land in Gippsland to build an up to 18 bed new
residential drug rehabilitation facility.
In April 2017 the Andrews Government stated they would provide $9.7 million to acquire land in
Gippsland, Barwon and Hume. The announcement was repeated in May 2018.
Ms Bath said, “Daniel Andrews needs to come clean and tell the Gippsland public what he is doing
with the promised money for land acquisition to establish a drug rehabilitation facility here in
Gippsland.”
“Once again the Andrews Labor government has released media releases without outcomes. Minister,
you are dragging your feet, much to the dismay of my constituents,” Ms Bath added.
“The Latrobe Valley and greater Gippsland community tragically has one of the highest rates of drug
overdoses in regional Victoria. Intervention and rehabilitation can save lives and drug
rehabilitation centres assist and support individuals, families and entire communities from the
pain of drug addiction.”
Sheridan Bond, The Nationals candidate for Morwell said, “Daniel Andrews must clarify what he is
doing with the promised money for land acquisition. There are many questions that need answering.”
“As a Gippsland resident I demand to know when and where the Andrews Labor government will purchase
land for a drug rehabilitation centre in Gippsland. I am asking where the land is or has this
funding been taken away from Gippsland when the cameras stopped rolling?”
“If the money has been redirected the community deserves to know where and how much. I want a
guarantee that it remains in Gippsland and it is being directed towards drug
rehabilitation.” said Ms Bond.
