December 4, 2015
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has called for more drug rehabilitation services and community-based strategies to tackle the growing prevalence of the drug ice and other illicit substances.
Mr Chester said he was alarmed by a Crime Statistics Agency report that showed an increase in drug-related offences in Gippsland. The agency reported a 192 per cent increase in incidents in Sale since 2011, while there were also elevated results in the Latrobe Valley.
The growing use of the drug ice has also prompted calls for more rehabilitation services to treat people who become addicted.
“The figures are telling us we need more regional rehabilitation centres and I believe this is an area where the Federal Government can play a role,” Mr Chester said.
“Prevention, policing and treatment are equally important when it comes to a drug as highly addictive and destructive as ice.
“I strongly support increased enforcement and prevention activity to target criminal gangs. And we also need better health and rehabilitation support services, where we treat ice as a health issue, if a person becomes addicted.”
The Nationals MP said the solution rested not only with police and government, but also with local community groups.
“Recent forums in Gippsland have shown there is strong interest in local solutions,” Mr Chester said.
“I believe we must engage the community and sporting organisations on this critical issue. We should look to the Good Sports Program as an example of where local sporting clubs can provide leadership in promoting positive health messages.”
