VIC GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES $45 MILLION ICE ACTION PLAN
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The Victorian Government has released the Ice Action Plan, aimed to tackle the State’s ice problem and reduce the supply, demand and harm the drug has on Victoria’s communities.
Developed on the advice of Victoria Police and health and legal experts, the $45.5 million Ice Action Plan includes funding for harm minimalisation services in the LGBTI community, one of the populations affected by the drug.
“Supporting families, treating users, making our communities safer – these are the things that cannot wait,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.
The launch of the Plan ensures VAC will be able to continue to deliver its Alcohol & Other Drug Services aimed at reducing the harm associated with ice use in Victorian LGBTI communities.
“With concerns over the impact ice use has on HIV risk reduction strategies as well as the ongoing health and wellbeing of our community, we welcome this announcement,” said VAC CEO Simon Ruth.
“We look forward to working with Minister Foley on further improving health outcomes for the LGBTI communities.”
CEO of Pennington Institute and member of the Premier’s Ice Action Taskforce, John Ryan, said other states should look to what Victoria has faced and take action, as they will be caught by the problem soon.
“Crystal meth purity across Australia has caught up with Victoria. What has happened here, with ice reeking havoc, is a crystal ball for other states and territories to look at,” Mr Ryan said.
“We’ve learned the hard way that ice doesn’t creep up slowly, on a community or on a person. It moves fast and that’s what has to happen with the entire drug policy space, including Federally,” Mr Ryan said.
For more information on VAC’s Alcohol and Other Drug Services, visit vac.org.au