Drug Free Australia’s Chair, Craig Thompson, welcomes the Prime Minister’s announcement today to combat the Killer Drug – ICE.

“This is one of greatest scourges in Australia, so far as illicit drugs is concerned. The rapidity of its spread across Australia both in terms of trafficking and production, leading to greater accessibility on the streets and at RAVES makes it of immense concern”.

According to Jo Baxter, Drug Free Australia’s Executive Officer adds: “Rehabilitation is more complex with ICE-dependent people. The added component of unpredictable, violent behaviour means that this drug use impacts on families, friends and innocent bystanders”.

As a starting point, Drug Free Australia has issued 10 solutions to amphetamine type substance use to the National Strategy being developed.

“We particularly welcome the international initiatives outlined by Mr Howard today. The ICE epidemic in Australia is partly due to international syndicates, as well as the toxic backyard labs being set up in our local communities.

We want the Federal Government to look at what has been successful in the United States such as:

• Establishing international agreements within their region
• Monitoring more carefully the movement and sale of precursor drugs
• Ensuring a coordinated parent, community and school based education program is implemented, with consistent information and simultaneous messages to all levels in our communities”.

We particularly welcome the integrated strategy of Law Enforcement, Education and Rehabilitation. This is getting closer to the policies of countries that are successfully combating illicit drugs – ie Sweden”.

Drug Free Australia will add to the 10 solutions during its International Anti-Drug Conference in Adelaide, South Australia, from 27-29 April 2007.

“We want more emphasis placed on effective drug prevention policy rather than merely the ‘bandaid approach’ of Harm Minimisation, said Ms Baxter”.

“Clearly people in business, law enforcement, government and the education sectors will also find this conference vital. With recommendations from the community members who attend, we will take the updated information to federal and state politicians and key decision makers.