METHYLAMPHETAMINE consumption in regional WA is the highest in the country, according to the latest National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program report.
Canning MHR Andrew Hastie was in Mandurah today with Minister for Law Enforcement Angus Taylor and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission chief executive Michael Phelan to discuss the findings of the fourth annual drug report.
Mr Hastie said the report’s results illustrated the dire situation facing the Peel region.
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READ NOW“The drug issue continues to linger and that’s problematic,” he said.
“The report reveals what locals in the Peel Region already know – regional WA has a serious drug problem.
“Over the last two and a half years I’ve heard a lot of personal stories, families having children affected by drugs criminal activity occurring in the area.
“People down here on the foreshore see it firsthand every day.
“More recently I’ve heard it from constituents in towns like Dwellingup who see a growing presence of drug activity so it’s concerning.”
Mr Hastie said Mandurah was seeing intergenerational drug use within families.
“We are seeing parents who are addicted, they have young children and of course they grow up in a household where they see drug usage and unfortunately get caught up in it,” he said.
“I’m going to partner with the local governor to take action and will open a new facility in December, the Peel Youth Medical service, which will help target 12 to 24 year olds and identify children at risk.
“Sideffect will also come to the Peel Region to do forums with parents and educate them on how they can protect their children.
“It takes a network to defeat a network.”
Before Parliament is a program Mr Hastie said could help drug users overcome addiction.
The Government’s drug testing trial is a welfare and rehabilitation program that identifies jobseekers struggling with drug dependency.
“I’m fighting for the program to pass through Parliament,” Mr Hastie said.
“It’s only a trial at this stage, but considering what today’s Wastewater Report reveals, we would be foolish not to do everything we can to fight drug addiction in the Peel Region.
“The trial has merit and broad local support.
“The only hurdle left is a group of Labor and crossbench senators who need to get out of the way and let us continue the fight against drugs.”
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