New drug funding a ‘game changer’ says leading addiction expert
The Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s $300 million commitment to step up the fight against ice and other drug addictions in Australia could be a game changer, according to Flinders University expert Professor Ann Roche.
The Federal Government’s National Ice Taskforce rolled out a four-year strategy of improved treatment, after-care, education, prevention, support and community engagement to tackle the crystal meth issue.
Almost $300 million will be invested in the drug treatment sector as part of a new national plan that shifts focus from policing to prevention.
Professor Roche, Director of the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) at Flinders University, said the money could save lives, rebuild communities and even boost the economy by several times the amount of the funding spent due to savings in productivity.
As one of Australia’s leading experts on addiction, its impact on individuals, communities and the economy, Professor Roche has been involved in major research at Flinders’ NCETA to work out how to deal with ice and methamphetamine addiction.
“This is the most exciting piece of news in quite some time for everyone involved in the battle against ice and methamphetamine addiction in Australia,” said Professor Roche.
“More than 400,000 Australians use methamphetamine so that gives an indication of the scale of the problem – the majority of these are in employment, which has obvious impacts on workplace safety and productivity.
“In rural communities the most recent statistics show that the problem is even worse, with almost twice the prevalence of use compared with cities.
“This funding will mean more opportunities for dealing with the causes and consequences of ice and methamphetamine use and will be a much needed boost for everyone working in this area.
“Perhaps even more importantly, it will provide hope for individuals and communities struggling to cope with the impacts of these highly destructive drugs.”
A report from the National Ice Taskforce found more than 200,000 Australians had used the drug.
The Government on Sunday agreed to adopt the 38 recommendations from the taskforce aimed at improving prevention and treatment methods.
Mr Turnbull said most of the funding would be given to grassroots organisations.
“Most of this money is going to primary health networks,” Mr Turnbull said.
“We believe that the medical and healthcare professionals, who are closest to the … people in need, are best able to determine how the money is spent.”
For more information on Flinders University’s National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction, go to: http://nceta.flinders.edu.au/
