The National Ice Task Force
The National Ice Taskforce was established on 8 April 2015 to advise the Government on the impacts of ice in Australia and drive the development of a National Ice Action Strategy. The Taskforce presented its interim findings to the Council of Australian Governments on 23 July 2015, and delivered its Final Report to the Prime Minister of Australia on 9 October 2015.
The Taskforce engaged extensively with people around Australia to develop this report.
The Taskforce spoke to over 100 experts on research, education, prevention, treatment, law enforcement and support for users, families and Indigenous people. The Taskforce also visited nine treatment and support services, and received around 100 submissions from organisations, clinics, research bodies and academics.
The Taskforce also received more than 1200 submissions from the public. Around a quarter shared personal stories of how ice has affected them, their families and their communities.
The Taskforce also held seven targeted community consultations in Mt Gambier, Broome, Darwin, Newcastle, Hobart, Townsville and Mildura.
Release of the Final Report of the National Ice Taskforce
On Sunday 6 December 2015, the Australian Government released the Final Report of the National Ice Taskforce.
The Australian Government’s response to the recommendations of the Taskforce can be accessed on the Department of Health website
The Final Report of the National Ice Taskforce found that ice use in Australia is a complex problem that requires a multi-faceted response. Proportionally, Australia uses more methamphetamine than almost any other country, and the number of users continues to grow. Today, evidence suggests there are well over 200,000 users.
Recommendations
In its Report, the Taskforce has made 38 recommendations across five areas of priority.
- The first priority must be supporting families, workers and communities to better respond to people affected by ice.
- Efforts to reduce demand for ice through prevention activities must be strengthened.
- Ice users need treatment and support services that cater to their needs.
- Efforts to disrupt supply must be more coordinated and targeted.
- Better data, more research and regular reporting is needed to strengthen Australia’s response and keep it on track.