Lisa Singh

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement today heard from the Tasmanian community for the Inquiry into the impact of crystal methamphetamine (Ice).

 The Committee heard evidence from Tasmania Police, Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council of Tasmania, Holyoake Tasmania Inc and several national organisations.

Senator Singh, Deputy Chair of the Law Enforcement Parliamentary Committee, says critical funds are needed to resolve a growing crisis in accommodation and treatment programs in this state. 

 “We have heard directly from the communities affected by the nature and prevalence of ice. The waiting list for residential rehabilitation makes it difficult for families our youth and addicts to rehabilitate.

"I am deeply concerned there is a rehabilitation waiting list for ice users of up to eight weeks, yet evidence at today's inquiry revealed 50 per cent occupancy at Hobart's rehab centre.

“Our community is missing the critical rehabilitation window because of these waiting lists. The likelihood of success diminished because of this.

“To succeed in the battle against ice, we must have strong investment in drug prevention, treatment and support services, and harm minimisation.

“Evidence today revealed the drug ice is being imported into Tasmania by courier mail and through organised crime gangs.

"I commend the work of Tasmania Police in combatting the importation of ice, who have been placed under resource pressure since the Federal government's removal of the Australian Federal Police from Hobart airport in 2014.”

FRIDAY, 24 MARCH 2017