FEDERAL Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch has welcomed today’s launch in Cairns of the Dob in a Dealer campaign as part of a new million-dollar partnership between the Coalition Government and Crime Stoppers Australia.
The Commonwealth Government is providing $1 million to fund the national Dob in a Dealer campaign to raise awareness of methamphetamine, or ice, and encourage local communities to contact Crime Stoppers to tackle the issue of manufacturing and distribution in their local area.
Mr Entsch said crimes relating to ice continue to be a concern for police across Leichhardt, with strong links between those who commit drug offences and those committing other violent crimes.
“Drugs such as ice can have devastating consequences for entire communities, and so putting a stop to it will require a whole-of-community response. Police can’t do it alone,” Mr Entsch said.
“This is a vital campaign in Australia’s fight against ice, but its level of success will be reliant on the local intelligence that Crime Stoppers receives.
“I urge everyone to say ‘enough is enough’ and to help us rid our streets, parks and neighbourhoods of criminals by undermining any business models operating in our local area.”
Minister for Justice Michael Keenan said the National Ice Taskforce Final Report, delivered in December, identified that the most important strategies to protect Australia from this devastating drug – and the violence it causes – is to disrupt supply and reduce demand.
“We’ve made significant investment in policing our borders and our streets and committed an additional $300 million over four years to improve treatment, after care, education, prevention, support and community engagement,” Mr Keenan said.
“While it is critical that these efforts continue, the targeted Dob in a Dealer campaign will help ensure our communities are no longer the end-game for international drug kingpins.
“Crime Stoppers provides residents with a safe, secure and anonymous avenue to report those suspected of being involved in the manufacture or supply of ice and other illicit drugs.
“It is up to all of us to work together to do all we can to protect our communities from the devastation of illegal drugs.”
If you have information about someone who is manufacturing or dealing in ice, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppers.com.au
