Community enlisted in ice battle

The federal government is responding to a report on tackling the drug ice, with a $40 million program to help community groups get the message out.

Used syringes.

Sports clubs and community groups are being enlisted to tackle the scourge of the illegal drug ice. (AAP)

Sports clubs and community groups are being enlisted to tackle the scourge of the illegal drug ice.

The federal government will provide $40 million over four years on innovative ways to educate young people about the dangers of crystal methamphetamine, also known as ice.

Helping empower local communities was a key recommendation of the National Ice Taskforce report.

Senator Fiona Nash, the minister in charge of drug and alcohol policy, said $19.2 million would go to 220 local community drug action teams to run forums and provide educational resources.

The popular Life Education Van - which visits 600,000 upper primary school-aged students every year - will get an extra $450,000 to educate children about the dangers of ice.

The Good Sports program, which already promotes responsible consumption of alcohol in 7000 sporting clubs, will receive an extra $4.6 million over four years.

"Good Sports helps to work through issues around alcohol consumption and now we have a process to work through the issue of illicit drugs," said Australian Drug Foundation CEO John Rogerson, who oversees the program.

A further $15 million will be spent on an advertising campaign, using mainstream and social media.


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Source: AAP


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