The findings suggest there may be more to blame than just the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Waitlists for alcohol and other drug treatment in Victoria have nearly doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic, despite $1 billion raised annually in mental health tax designed to bring relief.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The number of Victorians waiting for treatment has increased by 93 per cent since September 2020, according to a recent survey.
The survey, published by the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association, found that during June and July, more than 4600 people were waiting for treatment on any given day.
“This demand is likely driven not only by stressors emanating from the pandemic but more broadly anxiety related to the cost of living, the lack of readily available AOD supports and the ease of access to alcohol,” VAADA chief executive Chris Christoforou said.
In stark contrast to the surging need, Victoria’s 2024-25 budget has allocated a mere one per cent increase for AOD service delivery, bringing the total to $376.3 million.
Although the budget boasts the highest-ever investment in AOD for the state, VAADA said this came after decades of “chronic underfunding” of these services.
The statistics paint a worrying picture, leading many to question the effectiveness of the government’s mental health tax, including state Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe.
“Victoria’s most vulnerable residents are being left behind,” she said.
“People in the community who are ready to seek treatment are told that there are lengthy waiting periods, and they will also have to go elsewhere to seek treatment, isolating them from their loved ones and support.
“It is appalling that Shepparton, like many other regional communities, doesn't have adult residential rehabilitation beds.”
As the state’s mental health crisis persists, the call for re-evaluating where Victoria’s health funds are allocated grows louder.
“The funds are there, but instead of investing it where it is most needed, the government is spending it in the wrong places and failing those who need help the most,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
The number of people waiting for alcohol and other drug treatment has doubled since 2020, according to the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association.
