The Andrews Labor Government is giving Victorians seeking treatment for mental health concerns and substance addiction better access to support, with a new Statewide Specialist Service
Minister for Mental Health Gabrielle Williams today opened the Hamilton Centre, a $13.3 million statewide specialist service delivering more accessible care for Victorians with co-occurring mental health and substance addiction issues.
Turning Point, Australia's leading addiction treatment and research centre led the design and delivery of the Hamilton Centre and will lead a clinical network that will support the Hamilton Centre's functions across the state.
New addiction specialist hubs will form a key part of this service - with the Labor Government investing $21.5 million to open these services across St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Eastern Health, Western Health, Austin Health and Goulburn Valley Health, making sure people across the state have access to the support they need.
Named after Prof Margaret Hamilton AO, one of Australia's most influential figures across the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) and mental health sectors, the Hamilton Centre will deliver both clinical services and specialist integrated treatment.
The Hamilton Centre will also be a nation-leading base for research and education for mental health and alcohol and other drug services, as well as providing workforce training and development.
The establishment of the Centre is an important step towards achieving the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System's vision - of a future in which Victorians have access to integrated treatment, care and support in a variety of settings, consistent with their needs and preferences
The Victorian Budget 2022/23 invested more than $42 million over four years to boost integrated services for Victorians living with co-occurring mental health and addiction or substance use issues.
The Labor Government has started work on delivering 90 per cent of Royal Commission recommendations, with a record $6 billion invested in Victoria's mental health and wellbeing system, including AOD services, since 2020.
As stated by Minister for Mental Health Gabrielle Williams
"I'm delighted to announce the opening of the Hamilton Centre, which is providing much needed integrated and wrap-around care for Victorians managing mental health and addiction issues."
"The Royal Commission told us that people struggling with co-occurring mental health and addiction issues need integrated and responsive support - the Hamilton Centre is an important part of an integrated system which will give people the best treatment and recovery."
As stated by Associate Professor Shalini Arunogiri, Clinical Director of the Hamilton Centre
"Time and time again we provide support to so many Victorians and their families living with addiction and mental illness. Integrated care has often been referred to as a wicked problem, but through the Hamilton Centre, we are excited to harness the energy, enthusiasm and ingenuity this investment will bring to work towards solutions."
