Published Thursday, 21 December, 2006 at 05:02 AM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
HIGH LEVEL ICE TASKFORCE MEETS IN BRISBANE
Premier Peter Beattie will join the whole-of-government Ice Taskforce in Brisbane today when it meets for the first time to consider the tough issues regarding the dangerous illicit drug ice and how best to mitigate and prevent its use and production.
Mr Beattie said his Government was determined to tackle the growing problem of ice and the Taskforce would spearhead Queensland’s ICE-Breaker Strategy.
“Ice is a dangerous and deadly drug that is ruining the lives of many young Queenslanders who are lured into using it. We aim to remove this highly addictive substance from our streets and discourage as many Queenslanders as possible from using it,” Mr Beattie said.
“We will combine our strengths across several agencies and partner the non-government sector to ensure a co-ordinated and integrated approach to enforcement, treatment and prevention,” Mr Beattie said.
“One of the Taskforce’s first priorities is to organise a $600,000 education campaign to kick off early in 2007.”
Today’s Taskforce agenda includes:
• The devastating health effects of ice, particularly mental health (presentation by Gold Coast Mental Health Service Director of Psychiatry Dr Bill Kingswell);
• The prevalence and nature of ice in the community (presentation by University of Queensland Alcohol and Drug Research and Education Centre Professor Jake Najman)
• The most efficient and effective way to educate young Queenslanders about the dangers of using ice;
• The law enforcement response to ice;
• Prohibiting ‘ice pipes’;
• An assessment of public and non-government drug treatment services;
• Tackling the purchase of pseudoephedrine products for the purposes of manufacturing ice and other methamphetamine drugs;
• The national situation and the Commonwealth’s activities.
Mr Beattie said Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young was Taskforce chair with representatives from health, justice, ambulance, education, communities, department of Premier and Cabinet and law enforcement authorities including the CMC.
“Leading drug treatment organisation Ozcare and UQ’s Queensland Alcohol and Drug Research Centre are also represented on the Taskforce,” Mr Beattie said.
Media inquiries: 32244500
21 December 2006
Mr Beattie said his Government was determined to tackle the growing problem of ice and the Taskforce would spearhead Queensland’s ICE-Breaker Strategy.
“Ice is a dangerous and deadly drug that is ruining the lives of many young Queenslanders who are lured into using it. We aim to remove this highly addictive substance from our streets and discourage as many Queenslanders as possible from using it,” Mr Beattie said.
“We will combine our strengths across several agencies and partner the non-government sector to ensure a co-ordinated and integrated approach to enforcement, treatment and prevention,” Mr Beattie said.
“One of the Taskforce’s first priorities is to organise a $600,000 education campaign to kick off early in 2007.”
Today’s Taskforce agenda includes:
• The devastating health effects of ice, particularly mental health (presentation by Gold Coast Mental Health Service Director of Psychiatry Dr Bill Kingswell);
• The prevalence and nature of ice in the community (presentation by University of Queensland Alcohol and Drug Research and Education Centre Professor Jake Najman)
• The most efficient and effective way to educate young Queenslanders about the dangers of using ice;
• The law enforcement response to ice;
• Prohibiting ‘ice pipes’;
• An assessment of public and non-government drug treatment services;
• Tackling the purchase of pseudoephedrine products for the purposes of manufacturing ice and other methamphetamine drugs;
• The national situation and the Commonwealth’s activities.
Mr Beattie said Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young was Taskforce chair with representatives from health, justice, ambulance, education, communities, department of Premier and Cabinet and law enforcement authorities including the CMC.
“Leading drug treatment organisation Ozcare and UQ’s Queensland Alcohol and Drug Research Centre are also represented on the Taskforce,” Mr Beattie said.
Media inquiries: 32244500
21 December 2006