Report gets to real heart of meth use

The Methamphetamine Action Plan Taskforce has released a new report which reveals the views and experiences of those affected by methamphetamine use.

The report shows the challenges faced by the community and includes insights from individuals, families, service providers and business representatives on how to best tackle the issue.

Bunbury MLA Don Punch, a member of the taskforce, said he heard personal accounts of the devastating effect of meth use as well as the success stories of those who had overcome addiction

“The only way to address meth in our community is to hear first-hand of its impacts and the lived experiences of those affected and that is what the Methamphetamine Action Plan Taskforce has done,” he said.

“I would like to thank all those who engaged with the taskforce consultations – the users of meth, their families, the people in recovery and the service providers.

“It is the information provided by these members of our community that will sit at the foundation of the taskforce’s final recommendations.

“Everyone in Bunbury is well aware of the impact meth is having on our community and I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to be a member of the taskforce, working toward final recommendations that will, I have no doubt, support the excellent work already being done to address this issue in our community.”

Health Minister Roger Cook said the State Government was committed to reducing the harm, supply and demand of methamphetamines.

“But for real solutions to work, we must better understand the challenges our communities face and their views on how best to tackle the problem,” he said.

The consultation report provided those insights, he said.

“The consultation report from the Methamphetamine Action Plan Taskforce provides valuable information and insights from those directly affected by methamphetamine use.”