WE CANNOT ignore the rising ice epidemic ravaging our communities.
It is tearing families apart, infecting our communities, and our children are suffering at the hands of this dangerous, insidious drug.
What is perhaps most disturbing is that there is a new generation of “ice babies” being created– young children who have been exposed to the illicit drug through addicted parents.
These “ice babies” are overwhelming the child safety system and our schools.
I fear for the future of these children and that of the education and child safety systems which are already stretched to their limits.
We must stop this disturbing cycle before it’s too late to give our future generations the best start to life.
That’s why I welcome any action to tackle the epidemic.
Annastacia Palaszczuk has been dragged kicking and screaming to do something about the ice scourge.
While Labor’s newly announced plan is light on detail, it’s good to see the government has adopted many of the positive initiatives in the LNP’s comprehensive plan to tackle ice.
We want to see a joint taskforce with the Federal Government and more funding towards a joint law enforcement approach.
The LNP’s plan also focuses on closing down bikie clubhouses and creating stronger laws and powers for shutting down supply chains.
It’s clear that Labor’s plan ignores the need for more rehab and detox facilities, which we are also fighting for.
Premier Palaszczuk needs to put these initiatives into action as soon as possible to support families struggling with addiction.
We are hosting a community forum in Bundaberg where you will have the opportunity to have your say, hear our plan and help us tackle the ice epidemic.
Stephen Bennett MP
Member for Burnett
19 February 2018