Community input on Ice handed to Taskforce

THE valuable feedback gathered during two Ice Forums held in Mackay and Bowen this month has been officially handed over to the head of the Abbott Government’s Ice Taskforce.I met with Taskforce chairman Ken Lay, the former Victorian Police Chief Commissioner, in Canberra last week to present the findings from two very productive and frank discussion forums to gather information about the extent of the ice problem in our region.We heard from representatives from our police and health departments, community organisations seeking to provide assistance, and family members struggling with the difficult task of living with an addict.Though Ice is not the only drug causing damage to people in our society, it is a highly addictive and incredibly destructive substance, and those working with people taking Ice must deal with violent and unpredictable behaviour.Some of the issues raised were the ease of access to Ice through social media and other means, the need for better education about its effects, the lack of strong deterrents for dealers, and the need for more help and rehabilitation for addicts.All feedback is now in the hands of Mr Lay and the Ice Taskforce. They will deliver an interim report in coming months and this will be considered by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).A final Strategy will be put to COAG before the end of 2015.To find out more about the Ice Taskforce go to www.australia.gov.au/drugs