SOUTH EAST REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICE

130 Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite) (17 July 2012). With respect to 2012-13 Budget Paper 4, vol. 3, p. 64—

1. Has the South East Regional Health Service not renewed the position of Youth Health Services Worker for the Mt Gambier region which has provided one on one counselling for drug and alcohol related problems?

2. If the position was not renewed, did the Department consult Soroptimist International Mt Gambier in respect of their award winning program 'Independent Living Skills' for children under the guardianship of the Government?

3. What alternative plans does the Department have for this service?

The Hon. J.D. HILL (Kaurna—Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for the Arts): I am advised:

1. SA Health undertook an open competitive tender for the purchase of drug treatment services from non-government agencies across South Australia for both the SA Health's Drug and Alcohol Services Program and the Police Drug Diversion Initiative.

Prior to the tender, it was the Police Drug Diversion Initiative that provided the funds to Country Health SA to undertake health interventions in the Mount Gambier region. Country Health SA, through the South East Regional Health Service, provided the health interventions through a Youth Health Worker position.

Youth and adult health interventions under the Police Drug Diversion Initiative will continue in Mount Gambier under a new service provider. From 1 July 2012, Uniting Communities will be providing health interventions for the Police Drug Diversion Initiative in Mount Gambier.

2. The position is being maintained through a new service provider. The Department did not consult with Soroptimist International Mount Gambier, as an open competitive tender process was undertaken inviting submissions for the provision of interventions under the Police Drug Division Initiative in the Mount Gambier region. All non-government organisations had the opportunity to respond to the tender.

3. There is no alternative plan for this service, as the health interventions in Mount Gambier will continue through a new service provider under the Police Drug Division Initiative.