Young-based Senator Fiona Nash will jointly oversee a national taskforce to tackle the scourge of the drug ice, a move that’s been welcomed by a local councillor.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
There are hopes it will stem the devastating effects the drug has had on communities across the country.
Headed by former Victorian Police Commissioner Ken Lay, the taskforce will develop a national ice action strategy and will deliver an interim report by June.
Assistant Minister for Health Senator Nash, along with Minister for Justice Michael Keenan, will oversee the taskforce and lead the Government’s response to the ice issue, Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced on Wednesday.
Senator Nash said the announcement had been well received by the community.
“Talking to people in the region, including places like Young, people were saying we need to do something,” she said.
“So many of my colleagues and people from the community were coming to me with anecdotal stories.
“They were really worried for their kids...people know people caught up in this drug whose lives have been devastated.”
Senator Nash said the rapid and escalating effect of Ice on regional areas - including Young - was particularly devastating, as shown by the Australian Crime Commission's recent report.
“It’s almost as though drug pushers are targeting rural and regional areas,” she said.
“I’ve been personally concerned about this for some time now.
“Apart from being part of my portfolio, I’m a mother of two boys .”
She said she was keen for the issue to be framed beyond the realms of law and order.
“This is not just a law enforcement issue, [when I speak to police] they’re all saying we can’t just arrest our way out of this...we’re going to need to look at not only supply but demand.
“How do we stop demand as well as rehabilitation issues.
“Education is particularly important in my view.”
Young councillor Brian Ingram said he was thrilled to hear about the taskforce.
“When I saw the announcement I said to my wife, ‘how good is this’,” he said.
Cr Ingram had previously called for a coordinated community response to what he thinks is one of the biggest issues facing Young.
“I’ve had a lot of people approach me about the matter, happy it’s being discussed,” he said.
“It was swept under the carpet for too long, no one was admitting there was a nasty problem.”
He said he had heard personal stories of people’s lives torn apart by the drug since voicing his concerns.
“The families suffering need to have reassurance that we’re aware of the problem and we’re trying to do something,” he said.
“It’s really important that they know that they’re not alone.”
Cr Ingram said he would advocate with both state and federal members of parliament to put in place dedicated programs, including education and resourcing of rehabilitation.
