Legislative Council Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2) 52 2 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Question Time Methadone Treatment METHADONE TREATMENT The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD Legislative Council METHADONE TREATMENT The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (14:48): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking questions of the Minister for Industrial Relations, representing the Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, about methadone treatment in South Australia. Leave granted. The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD Legislative Council The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD: In these questions I will use the word 'methadone' to include drugs that have a similar effect to methadone and the word 'heroin' to include opioids that have a similar addictive effect to heroin. My questions are: 1.	What is the annual cost to the state government of methadone treatment for heroin addicts in South Australia? 2.	How many heroin addicts have had state government funded treatment in South Australia on an annual basis for the last three years? 3.	Is there a policy of reducing the methadone dose over time such that heroin addicts become drug-free effectively over a period? 4.	On an annual basis, how many heroin addicts who have had methadone treatment are rehabilitated so as to no longer require regular methadone treatments? 5.	Of those who are rehabilitated in that way through treatment, what percentage require further treatment for heroin addiction within 12 months of their rehabilitation? The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY Legislative Council Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (14:49): I thank the member for his very important questions. I will take them on notice and refer them to the appropriate minister for an answer.