Barnaby Joyce the scourge of methamphetamines

30th March 2022

Continued funding to tackle scourge of methamphetamines

 

As part of our plan for a stronger future, the Morrison Joyce Government will extend the National Ice Action Strategy (NIAS), investing more than $343 million over four years in the ongoing fight to reduce the impact of ice, other drugs, and alcohol.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, welcomed the announcement, and said the Government is increasing its efforts at every level to reduce the impact of drug and alcohol use on individuals, families, and communities.

“The Coalition Government’s investment into the National Ice Action Strategy for a further four years, allows local organisations throughout New England, and across the country to continue delivering innovative, community-based solutions to curb the use of drugs such as methamphetamines,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“This is particularly important for high-risk population groups, including people in rural and regional areas and indigenous communities.”

National wastewater drug monitoring shows methamphetamine use has reduced for the second consecutive year. And MDMA, cocaine and heroin consumption have all fallen.

Estimates from 2019 suggest that roughly 300,000 Australians used methamphetamines in the past 12 months, with over half of these using crystal methamphetamine, or ice.

The four most common drugs that people seek treatment for are alcohol (34%), amphetamines (28%), cannabis (18%), and heroin (5.1%).

Since its inception in 2016, the NIAS has helped thousands of people gain access to treatment programs and supported communities to tackle local drug and alcohol issues with local solutions.

By committing to the NIAS for a further four years, the Morrison Government is ensuring critical treatment and other programs are continued and improved.

For further details about the National Ice Action Strategy, visit the Department of Health website.

News for March 2022