Page 1432 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 6 May 2015
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input from these important initiatives would likely create inefficiencies at best or be counterproductive at worst. Having said that, I think it is important that this matter be raised and debated in the Assembly.
We must also pay particular heed to the first responders, who have to deal with the consequences of uncontrollable or violent people suffering from the effects of ice usage.
Currently, the estimate is that the population rate of methamphetamine use in Australia is about 2.1 per cent. However, its effects are more widely felt than this statistic may indicate. We know that ice is becoming the preferred form of methamphetamine being used. We also know of the increased purity of the drug and the frequency of use. This suggests that we need to directly tackle the issue of ice use in our community and continue to refresh our approach.
People who are using monthly or more often have a rate of mental health diagnosis four to seven times that of the wider community. For some people, use is associated with violence and psychotic behaviour and can have a series of flow-on adverse impacts on their families and the broader community.
People who use, and their families, need to be provided with access to information, support and treatment. It is important that advice and interventions are available in locations where users will access them and in ways that will work for them.
The current ACT government response reflects these requirements. We currently invest approximately $16.4 million annually in specialist drug treatment and support services. The commonwealth provides a further $3 million towards these efforts. These funds support education, counselling, support and case management, withdrawal management, and residential and non-residential rehabilitation programs. Ninety per cent of these services are delivered by non-government service providers. ACT drug treatment and support services are reporting an increase in the number of people presenting with methamphetamine problems.
ACT Health has recently funded a one-off investment in accredited training to ensure front-line workers in ACT drug treatment and support services are confidently able to respond to those presenting for treatment. Sixty workers from specialist ACT drug treatment and support services will undertake this training in coming months.
We take a harm minimisation approach. From a policing perspective, it is focused on supply reduction. It is clear from the Australian Crime Commission’s national report that organised crime is taking advantage of a profitable illicit market. ACT Policing is taking specific measures within its national law enforcement partner agencies to dismantle and disrupt trafficking in illicit drugs.
As I mentioned earlier, last month the Prime Minister announced the establishment of the National Ice Taskforce to develop a national strategy to tackle the growing national problem. The task force will be led by the former Victorian Chief Police Commissioner, Ken Lay. The ACT is a strong supporter of this initiative, which was discussed with the Prime Minister and other first ministers at the COAG meeting last month.
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