Rex Patrick (SA, Nick Xenophon Team) Share this | Hansard source

I want to go to schedule 13, in relation to the removal of exemptions for drug and alcohol testing. On 2 February 2018, the Hon. Dan Tehan MP, Minister for Social Services, wrote to NXT and committed to funding of an additional $40 million to address addiction. After consultation with addiction specialists, NXT believes that a total of $20 million for additional funding over a three-year period for addiction should be made available for the exclusive purpose of supporting GPs and other relevant allied health professionals, such as nurse practitioners, mental health social workers and psychologists, in regional and remote Australia to access professional development and specialist skills in addiction medicine. Will the minister confirm that this funding will be available from July 2018 for a period of three years?