Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Assistant Minister for Health) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for his question and note his very keen interest in this issue. As I have said on several occasions in this chamber, more Australians are touched by the ice epidemic every day. The last phase of the national drugs campaign 'Ice Destroys Lives' ran from 10 May until the end of June this year and consisted of advertising on TV, social, online and cinema channels. As well as supporting the work of the National Ice Taskforce, this phase of activity aimed to raise awareness of the harms associated with ice use through advertising targeted to young people aged 18 to 25 years, who are at greater risk of ice use; young people aged 14 to 17 years, who are beginning to be exposed to illicit drugs; and parents of 14- to 25-year-olds. With ongoing community concern about the impact of ice, the second phase of the 'Ice Destroys Lives' campaign will again reinforce the dangers of taking ice and encourage people to visit the campaign website for more information, resources and links to treatment and support services and drug counselling. One very positive flow-on from these ads has been parents taking direct action to talk to their children about drugs. We know that parents are the most influential source of drug information for young people, and it is so important that these conversations happen in the home. Ice is extremely addictive. It is destroying the lives and families across Australia of people I have met. I have travelled across Australia and spoken to many communities experiencing the devastating impacts of ice. The government is committed to a national strategy. We believe that these ads, broadcast into the homes of all Australians, are essential.