Labor's Jack Ayoub says his Party will commit $3 million to a drug rehabilitation centre in Dubbo, matching the National Party's commitment to the life-changing social initiative.
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The money will help establish a 15-bed rehabilitation facility and an eight-bed detox facility if the NSW government commits another $2 million. Another $2.5 million will also be needed per year to run the centre.
Dubbo Regional Council would supply land for the facility.
Mr Ayoub said a drug rehabilitation centre is an important initiative and he stood on a unity ticket with Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton as to its significance.
"I have experience working with youth affected by drug and alcohol addiction and know how easy it can spiral out of control into criminal behaviour," Mr Ayoub said.
"This facility once built will ensure we help those who are suffering to recover and remain valuable members of our communities."
Mr Ayoub said Dubbo needs a rehabilitation centre and called on the State Government to jointly fund it no matter who wins the election on May 18.
"I believe this facility is needed now more than ever that is why I'm proud to say that a Labor government will match the Coalition's funding commitment of $3 million," he said.
"Federally this project has support from both sides, and the council have backed it in.
"Its time for the NSW National Party and Liberals to act, its time for Dugald Saunders to exercise his office."
I believe this facility is needed now more then ever - federally this project has support from both sides. It is now time for the NSW National Party and Liberals to act.
- Jack Ayoub
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the facility had been needed for a "long, long time" in Dubbo. He said across the region methamphetamine use had been causing enormous problems in families.
Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Ben Shields said he was delighted Labor had matched the Nationals funding commitment.
"One of the best phone calls I have had as mayor was when Mark Coulton called me to say that the federal coalition government was giving $3 million for the establishment of a drug and alcohol centre here in Dubbo," he said.
"For planning to continue, it is essential that we now have an indication from the Labor opposition they will continue the funding if they win the election.
"I congratulate the Labor Party for telling the community where they stand on this issue.
"This has been identified as the most urgent social priority for Dubbo. I am happy both Jack Ayoub and Mark Coulton, and their respective party's have taken a bipartisan approach to a Dubbo drug rehabilitation centre.
"The ball is now in the State Government's court and I hope they see how vital this is to our region and step up with funding."