TASMANIANS CAN HELP TACKLE THE SOURGE OF ICE

FEDERAL Lyons MP Eric Hutchinson has urged Tasmanians to get behind the National Ice Taskforce, announced yesterday by Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

“Ice use is something which is affecting our young people in particular with devastating results and needs to be brought out in the open so that it is talked about and solutions found,’’ Mr Hutchinson said today.

Mr Abbott said that the National Ice Taskforce will be headed by former Victorian Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay.

It is proposed that the taskforce will provide an urgent stocktake of what is being done and recommend how governments can tackle ice in the most coordinated, targeted and effective way.

Ice use is becoming a huge problem right around the country which is ruining individuals, destroying families and hurting communities, Mr Hutchinson said.

The taskforce will consult widely to ensure that all aspects of this community menace are addressed.

Mr Hutchinson hopes Tasmanians will get involved.

“The government response will only be as good as the community effort,’’ Mr Hutchinson said.

“It is vital that the community also own this problem.’’
Federal Lyons MHR Eric Hutchinson