JULY 24, 2015: AN interim report from the National Ice Taskforce which has been presented to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) by the Prime Minister has identified six key areas which need attention in the fight against the drug scourge.These are welcome findings, and they are largely those which were raised at the two Ice Forums I conducted in Mackay and Bowen last month.Close to 100 people attended these forums, and they were keen to share their experiences and concerns.The difficulties faced by family members battling to help someone who has fallen prey to the addiction, and the ease of access to a drug which has such devastating effects. were two things which stood out for me.I commend the Prime Minister for instigating action on a national scale.[box style="1 or 2"]The Taskforce has identified six key areas to guide work toward the development of the National Ice Action Strategy which include:

1. focusing law enforcement actions;
2. targeting primary prevention;
3. improving access to early intervention, treatment and support services;
4. supporting local communities to respond;
5. improving tools for frontline workers; and
6. improving and consolidating research and data.

COAG agreed to work together to ensure individuals and families affected by the drug have a single contact point where they can go to receive information, counselling and other support services.COAG also endorsed the work currently under way to develop a national cooperative scheme on unexplained wealth, noting this could reduce the financial incentives for organised crime groups involved in the ice trade.Led by Ken Lay APM, the taskforce has received extensive input through 1300 submissions as well as advice from experts and community members.[/box]Australians have the unenviable reputation of using more ice and methamphetamine than any other country, according to research.There’s still a lot of work to be done on this, but following the COAG presentation we now have collaboration between all levels of government.The Taskforce will continue working with the Prime Minister, the states and territories and the Australian Local Government Association to develop a final report and strategy to be considered by the next COAG.