In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph today, Prime Minister Tony Abbott has announced a new Government initiative to curb the use of ice in Australia, as the “Dob In A Dealer” national hotline will soon be launched.
“Ice is the worst drug scourge that we’ve faced. The fight against ice and illegal drugs can only be effective when the community and law enforcement agencies work together. Information from the public is an essential part in helping police and other agencies bust drug manufacture and distribution.
“To encourage the community fight against the ice epidemic, the Commonwealth Government will establish a national Dob in a Dealer campaign.”
According to the Telegraph, the hotline will function in a similar way to CrimeStoppers – allowing citizens to confidentially name or give information to police on suspected illegal activity.
On Thursday, after the Abbott Government announced an $18 million boost to curbing the “ice epidemic” in Australia, ABC radio spoke with Professor Jane Copeland, director at the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre at the University of New South Wales.
“Half of those who responded believed that between 30 and 100 per cent of Australians had tried ice in their lifetime, and of course this is very far beyond the actual figure which is 7 per cent.”
Professor Copeland also warned against media hype over the so-called “epidemic” in Australia – reporting which could inadvertently lead to normalising ice to potential users.
“We know that when drug users seem to be normalised, it means that people are more likely to try it and to use it. So it’s important that we do have a counterpoint to that.”
via Daily Telegraph.
Lead image by Ryan Pierse via Getty.
