SALE OF ICE PIPES BANNED IN QUEENSLAND
Published Thursday, 24 May, 2007 at 06:24 PM
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
The Beattie Government has delivered on its commitment to ban the sale and supply of ‘ice’ pipes in Queensland, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.
State Parliament passed the Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2007 to introduce penalties of up to $10,500 for shops that sell ‘ice’ pipes.
Mr Robertson said the amendments also strengthened the existing ban on bongs.
“The State Government banned bongs in 2005 however some unscrupulous retailers have been flouting the ban by selling bong parts separately,” he said.
“These amendments ban the sale and supply of bong parts.
“Under the legislation, retailers who sell, supply or display ‘ice’ pipes, parts of ‘ice’ pipes, bongs or bong parts will be liable for a $300 on-the-spot fine or a maximum court fine of $10,500.
“Over the next few weeks Queensland Health will distribute information to retailers across the State informing them that ice pipes should be immediately removed from display and sale.
“Information will also be available through the Tobacco Hotline on 1800 005 998, which operates from 8am to 6pm, seven days a week.”
Mr Robertson said he was concerned more than 500 Queensland outlets such as tobacconists and novelty shops sold utensils solely used to smoke ice such as glass pipes.
“The display and sale of these pipes only feeds a perception that smoking methamphetamines is an acceptable and regular activity,” he said.
“This ban will go a long way in changing this view and diminish the ‘normalisation’ of ice use in our community.
“It also demonstrates that the Beattie Government is serious about getting drugs like ‘ice’ off our streets.”
“Ice or ‘crystal meth’ can be used in different ways but smoking ice is becoming more common in Australia which is why this ice pipe ban is necessary.”
Mr Robertson said the laws would bring Queensland into line with other states and was part of the Beattie Government’s Ice-Breaker Strategy and Ice Taskforce.
“The Ice-Breaker Strategy also includes a statewide education campaign to target young people about the dangers of the drug, aiming to prevent use and mitigate addiction,” he said.
“Other measures involve assessing both public and non-government drug treatment facilities and other interventions available across Queensland, and determining special requirements to manage or break the amphetamine habit.
“We are continuing to work with pharmacies to restrict the sale of pseudoephedrine medicines only to people in genuine need of them and with general practitioners to ensure appropriate prescribing of these medicines.”
24 May, 2007
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680
State Parliament passed the Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2007 to introduce penalties of up to $10,500 for shops that sell ‘ice’ pipes.
Mr Robertson said the amendments also strengthened the existing ban on bongs.
“The State Government banned bongs in 2005 however some unscrupulous retailers have been flouting the ban by selling bong parts separately,” he said.
“These amendments ban the sale and supply of bong parts.
“Under the legislation, retailers who sell, supply or display ‘ice’ pipes, parts of ‘ice’ pipes, bongs or bong parts will be liable for a $300 on-the-spot fine or a maximum court fine of $10,500.
“Over the next few weeks Queensland Health will distribute information to retailers across the State informing them that ice pipes should be immediately removed from display and sale.
“Information will also be available through the Tobacco Hotline on 1800 005 998, which operates from 8am to 6pm, seven days a week.”
Mr Robertson said he was concerned more than 500 Queensland outlets such as tobacconists and novelty shops sold utensils solely used to smoke ice such as glass pipes.
“The display and sale of these pipes only feeds a perception that smoking methamphetamines is an acceptable and regular activity,” he said.
“This ban will go a long way in changing this view and diminish the ‘normalisation’ of ice use in our community.
“It also demonstrates that the Beattie Government is serious about getting drugs like ‘ice’ off our streets.”
“Ice or ‘crystal meth’ can be used in different ways but smoking ice is becoming more common in Australia which is why this ice pipe ban is necessary.”
Mr Robertson said the laws would bring Queensland into line with other states and was part of the Beattie Government’s Ice-Breaker Strategy and Ice Taskforce.
“The Ice-Breaker Strategy also includes a statewide education campaign to target young people about the dangers of the drug, aiming to prevent use and mitigate addiction,” he said.
“Other measures involve assessing both public and non-government drug treatment facilities and other interventions available across Queensland, and determining special requirements to manage or break the amphetamine habit.
“We are continuing to work with pharmacies to restrict the sale of pseudoephedrine medicines only to people in genuine need of them and with general practitioners to ensure appropriate prescribing of these medicines.”
24 May, 2007
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680