The push for the Banksia Mental Health Unit in Tamworth to be repurposed as a drug and alcohol detoxification unit has been raised in the NSW Parliament.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson put the government on notice, calling for the government to partner with a service organisation to deliver drug and alcohol detoxification services out of the unit when it becomes vacant.

“Tamworth, Gunnedah and the entire Northwest are deeply concerned about the impact of drug and alcohol addiction on our community,” Mr Anderson said.

“We need access to more services and more support, which is why I have been pushing for the Banksia Mental Health Unit to be repurposed into a drug and alcohol detoxification unit when it becomes vacant this year.

“This is a plan that makes good sense. The unit is a purpose-built, clinical facility on hospital grounds that could easily be refurbished and repurposed as a detoxification unit.

“I have a strong plan to make this happen which involves a partnership between government and a non-government organisation to deliver professional clinical care on hospital grounds.

“The refurbishment of the facility could be funded from the $157 million committed by the government to drug and alcohol services in regional NSW as part of the 2024 NSW Drug Summit.”

Mr Anderson put the government on notice in the NSW Parliament:

1. Recognises that drug and alcohol addiction and dependency is a significant issue for many families in the Tamworth region;
2. Acknowledges the urgent need for an inpatient detoxification unit in Tamworth;
3. Notes that the existing 25 bed Banksia Mental Health unit will soon be vacant;
4. Calls on the Government to partner with a service organisation to provide drug and alcohol detoxification services out of the vacant Banksia Mental Health Facility as soon as possible.
   
   

“This plan makes sense, and I’ll keep pushing the government to progress this opportunity,” Mr Anderson concluded.