COUNSELLING SERVICES

114 The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (26 September 2007).

1. Does Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia (DASSA) have brokerage funds for counselling services?

2. What level of funding is available?

3. (a) Which providers have received funding; and

(b) How much has each received?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health): I am advised:

1. Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia is a 'preferred provider' under the Police Drug Diversion Initiative (PDDI) which is funded by the Australian Government. Under the PDDI there is in place a process which allows access to brokerage funds.

2. The level of funding available through brokerage funds under the PDDI is capped at a maximum of $500 per request.

3. In the 2006-07 financial year there were twelve approvals given among six organisations with a total amount of $3,330 in brokerage funds distributed.