THE federal government will spend almost $300 million over four years in the battle against the drug ice.
The money will improve treatment, after care, education, prevention, support and community engagement through the National Ice Taskforce, led by former Victorian Police Commissioner Ken Lay.
Generating local community action – central to the findings of the National Ice Taskforce – will be the focus of the Frankston Ice Forum, 6.30pm, Wednesday 27 April, at Peninsula City Church.
Dunkley MP Bruce Billson and Peninsula Voice are active participants in the forum.
“The devastation that ice causes to our community is very real, with many of those who have been affected by ice, and their families, sharing with me how lost, out of control and desperate they are for help,” Mr Billson said.
“The battle against ice can only be won through a consistent and coordinated approach with all levels of government, police, health, not-for-profit organisations and the broader community.”
Mr Billson commended local police, Peninsula Health and other support services and community groups for their dedication in helping ice users and their families. “As a community representative and father, I am deeply concerned about the impacts of the drug and the pressure it is putting on users, local families, frontline workers and treatment facilities,” he said.
Mr Billson has been involved in successful round-table workshops with community and health workers to discuss the findings of the report and the need to increase the availability of treatment.
“There is now an opportunity for the broader public to share views about how we can further combat drug use and how we, as a community, can get the most out of the federal government’s measures.”
The government’s ice package includes $241.5 million for 31 Primary Health Networks to use their local knowledge to boost the alcohol-and-other-drug-treatment sector and reduce demand for ice.
The PHN has a service centre in Mornington. The extra funding will allow it to provide improved access and treatment for ice and other drugs users.
