Nicholls denies drug program funding cuts

Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls has been questioned over his record as Queensland treasurer as he announced more than $50 million in new drug rehab funding.

Queensland Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls

Tim Nicholls has refused to answer how much he cut from drug and alcohol services while treasurer. (AAP)

Tim Nicholls has refused to say how much he cut from drug and alcohol services while Queensland treasurer, as he announced more than $50 million to tackle the scourge of ice.

The Liberal National Party would set up four new drug and alcohol rehab centres across the state as part of a $52 million plan to combat the drug ice if it wins the November 25 state election.

Labor Health Minister Cameron Dick said LNP leader Mr Nicholls slashed the sector while he was treasurer in the former Newman government.

"Tim Nicholls even cut $14 million out of drug and alcohol services, forcing 20 staff out of agencies like Drug Arm, Boystown, and the Alcohol and Drug Foundation of Queensland," Mr Dick said in a statement.

"These cuts reduced drug and alcohol services on the Sunshine Coast, Logan, Brisbane, Gympie, Bowen, Bundaberg, Charleville and Toowoomba."

But Mr Nicholls said that was in the past, and he now wanted to eradicate ice from the state.

"I'm not going to respond to what Cameron Dick says. I'm here today to actually say this is what an LNP government that I lead would do," Mr Nicholls told reporters on Friday.

"I'm interested in looking after the future of Queenslanders, Cameron Dick is interested in the past."

Mr Nicholls dismissed claims he was playing catch-up on ice, but could not say how much was cut from drug services when he was treasurer.

The opposition leader travelled to a drug rehab centre in Toowoomba on day 13 of the campaign to meet several recovering addicts and hear their stories.

The LNP plan includes almost $32 million for rehab centres in Cairns, Wide Bay, Toowoomba and Caloundra, as well as $2 million for a dedicated treatment team for indigenous communities.

The LNP would also invest $8 million on a dedicated police ice taskforce, which would work with federal agencies to target the manufacture and distribution of ice.


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Source: AAP



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