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Northe Calls On The State Labor Government To Help Tackle Ice Problem

Member for Morwell Russell Northe has this week in Parliament called upon the Andrews Labor Government to provide more support to reduce the impact of ice, in regional communities.

By Russell Northe - 21st August 2015 - Back to News

Mr Northe said more support is needed for services providers and groups such as the, Ice Meltdown Project who are working to help support individuals and families dealing with drug addiction in Gippsland.

"The Ice Meltdown project is a community-based group that consists of ordinary people who volunteer to support addicts and their families as they battle the devastating effects of ice," Mr Northe said.

"The Ice Meltdown Project which operates out of Drouin provides detox programs, counselling and family support, and it has assisted approximately 150 clients.

"Volunteers such as Janice, Sue and Megan from the Ice Meltdown project do an exceptional job in supporting people in our community; however the Labor Government needs to realise that these groups require funding to continue delivering their program and services within the Gippsland community."

Mr Northe said it’s essential we recognise that there is a problem in our communities, and despite good intentions by all levels of Government the current system and programs in place are simply not working effectively.

"I have concerns about the extent of the ice problem in towns across the Latrobe Valley, its alarming to hear about the impact that ice is having on young people in our community," Mr Northe said.

"We need a broad approach focused on raising awareness of the drug, particularly for young people, increased police activity targeting manufacturers and traffickers and better access to health and rehabilitation services for local people affected by ice.

"There is a need for access to medium and long-term rehabilitation services here in Gippsland, to accommodate these people and assist those families who are dealing with such tragic circumstances.

"We need to get on top of the problem as soon as possible."

If you have concerns about any criminal or suspicious behaviour in the community you can contact Crime stoppers ‘Dob in a Dealer’ hotline which enables people to anonymously call the toll-free number 1800 333 000 or use the local crime stoppers website www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/ to report online.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: support@gippsland.com