The WA Government has in the 2017-18 State Budget implemented the first stage of its co-ordinated and targeted Methamphetamine Action Plan to address Western Australia’s meth crisis.
Recognising the complexities and challenges of the methamphetamine problem in WA, the action plan is a whole-of-government response that will focus on the three pillars of prevention, protection and prosecution.
The 2017-18 State Budget has $131.7 million towards the action plan, including:
- $83.5 million to establish a Meth Border Force which will start with the recruitment of 100 sworn police officers and 20 specialised intelligence staff;
- $3.8 million for the WA Police Force to target roadside alcohol and drug testing;
- $18 million to establish an alcohol and other drug residential rehabilitation centre in the South-West and $200,000 to commence planning for similar services in the Kimberley;
- An additional $12 million for residential and community-based treatment facilities;
- $9.6 million for a fit-for-purpose drug and alcohol rehabilitation prison at Wandoo and an additional $1.9 million for dedicated drug testing capabilities;
- $2.4 million to establish a triage unit to select prisoners who have been given short-term sentences for drug-related offences directing them to the rehabilitation prison; and
- Funding of $360,000 for a two-year trial of the Ice Breakers Program with Albany Police and Citizens Youth Club to support people moving from meth dependence into recovery.
The funding boost follows the implementation of new laws to increase the maximum sentence for trafficking 28 grams or more of meth from 25 years to life imprisonment – the delivery of another election commitment.
For more 2017-18 State Budget information, visit http://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au
Source: Government of Western Australia.