TAMWORTH Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party candidate Jeff Bacon has called on his political rivals to push for a new drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility for the electorate.
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The latest calls for a new facility come after NSW Labor pledged in June to build six mandatory detox and rehab centres in NSW, including four regionally, if it’s elected in 2019.
Mr Bacon said it was time to “put politics aside” and unite behind the proposal.
“As I’ve been door-knocking and listening to people across Tamworth, I’ve lost count of the stories of families torn apart by drugs and alcohol,” Mr Bacon said.
“There will be a lot of big-budget promises made in this election, so I hope this can be one that Tamworth can expect to be delivered no matter the outcome of the election.
“It’s time we all put politics aside and used the spotlight of this election campaign to do something worthwhile for the Tamworth region.”
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The Shooters Fishers and Farmers candidate said a united push would build on the work done by Mr Anderson in the past.
“I know that Kevin Anderson is passionate about this issue because of his work with the Ice Action Group back in 2016, but despite being in government he was unable to get the project off the ground on his own,” he said.
“Over $4 billion remains unspent from the sale of the Snowy Hydro Scheme and the current government has a multi-billion dollar surplus, so there’s no reason why this can’t now be a reality.
“Hopefully with all candidates in this election getting behind a plan for a drug and alcohol detox and rehabilitation facility in Tamworth, the region can see this plan realised no matter who is elected.”
Tamworth Country Labor candidate Stephen Mears said he has was happy to support the push for a new facility.
“It is something I care very deeply about,” Mr Mears said.
“I must say it is nice to see Jeff jump onto an idea that was originally floated by NSW Labor leader Luke Foley earlier in the year.
“Labor’s policy and hopes for a new centre for the Tamworth region are real and I am more than happy to work with anyone to push to make it a reality.”
Mr Anderson could not be reached for comment on Tuesday afternoon.
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
