New funding to support Far North Queensland families of ice users

Far North Queensland families of ice users will be better equipped to help their addicted loved ones thanks to funding of up to $880,000 over three years for ice and other drug-related information, education and support services.

Minister for Child Safety Shannon Fentiman today (Sunday 22 October) announced that Cairns and Cape York were two of the Queensland locations selected as part of a $5.4 million program to fund non-government organisations to deliver accessible and flexible support and information to families of ice users.

“We are all too aware the ever-increasing and devastating impact that ice has not only on the user but also their families, friends and loved ones,” she said.

“In Far North Queensland in the year to June there were 74 children found in need of protection where one or both parents were using ice, a 14 per cent increase in just six months.

“Across the state one in three children coming in to care had a parent with a current or previous methamphetamine use.

“Of these children, 47 per cent suffered from neglect, 37 suffered emotional harm and 15 per cent experienced physical harm”

Ms Fentiman said the new funding will support a local organisation to help family members of ice users get the facts, develop strategies and find out where to access help and support for their loved one while also taking care of their own needs.

“This is real, practical help for families in crisis to help them break the cycle of damage caused by this insidious drug,” Ms Fentiman said.

Ms Fentiman said support and information will be available through community courses, ongoing peer support groups and networks and access to ice and other drug-related information, education and support.

“It’s so important that we help these families identify if their loved ones are using ice, help them better understand their pattern of drug use and gain the knowledge and skills of how to best support their family member to get clean,” Ms Fentiman said.

Cairns and Cape York regions will each receive funding of $440,000 over three years.

Today’s funding announcement forms part of the Queensland Government’s commitment of $18 million for our Action on Ice plan to address the immediate needs of families and communities across the state.

Ms Fentiman said the Palaszczuk Government has been listening to experts, families impacted by ice and recovering addicts to better understand what needed to be done.

“We know only too well that ice continues to tear Queensland families and communities apart, including right here in Far North Queensland,” she said.

“Far too often we see behaviours stemming from ice misuse and dependence playing a role in family dysfunction, breakdown and conflict, leading to involvement with Child Safety.

“That’s why we are employing more than 400 additional staff across the state, our biggest investment in staff in over a decade.

“We already have 19 new staff on the ground right here in Far North Queensland and 24 more will be employed to help bring down caseloads and ensure vulnerable children are safe.

“We will never give up the fight against ice.

Treasurer and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt welcomed the funding to support local families afflicted by ice.

“These are some of our most vulnerable children and families and we need to give them every chance to break the cycle, recover and get their lives back,” Mr Pitt said.

“We have seen the damage this drug has caused in Far North Queensland and the Palaszczuk Government has responded with direct hands-on support for families as well as an unprecedented increase in Child Safety staff.”

ENDS

Media Contact:                      Ron Goodman                       0427 781 920