Funding extended for Public Intoxication services in Mount Isa

The Palaszczuk Government will continue to deliver Public Intoxication services, with a $3.93 million extension of funding for services in Mount Isa.

Minister for Communities Coralee O’Rourke today congratulated North West Queensland Indigenous Catholic Social Services on receiving $3.93 million to deliver services at the Arthur Petersen Diversionary Centre and Cell Visitor service up to 30 June 2021.

“Public Intoxication services have been providing assistance to vulnerable people who are at risk of harm or of being taken into police custody as a result of intoxication in public places,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“The services are also supporting vulnerable people who are in custody for public intoxication-related offences.

“Support is offered through cell visitor services, community patrols, diversion centres, managing public intoxication programs and reducing demand services.

“The service here in Mount Isa is doing some fantastic work and delivering improved outcomes for vulnerable members of the local community.”

Public Intoxication services have been delivered in Queensland since 1995, in response to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.

Mrs O’Rourke said Public Intoxication services had gone a long way towards preventing deaths in custody in Queensland, diverted intoxicated clients from public spaces and helped clients with their individual issues.

“Through services such as these, we can provide support to vulnerable Queenslanders and address issues facing some of our communities,” she said.

“We know that when we support vulnerable Queenslanders to feel empowered, participate in their communities and enjoy social and economic wellbeing, our communities thrive.”

ENDS

Media Contact: Minister O’Rourke’s Office (07) 3719 7170