LNP Member for Burdekin Dale Last and LNP Shadow Minister for Health & Ambulance Services, Ros Bates, have called on the Palaszczuk Labor Government to get serious on providing rehabilitation services in North Queensland.

With demand for treatment for ICE addicts far outstripping supply, Annastacia Palaszczuk and her three Townsville Labor MPs have effectively turned their back on North Queensland.

“At least one rehab centre in Townsville can’t keep up with demand for services because they have to service such a large area,” Mr Last said.

“So you end up with small towns like Ayr & Home Hill carrying the burden of this horrible drug.”

LNP Shadow Health Minister said ICE had infiltrated small towns and cities, destroying families and attacking the very soul and fabric of Queensland communities.

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government need to guarantee extra rehab beds in Townsville to ensure treatment is available throughout North Queensland,” Ms Bates said.

Ms Bates said that treatment for drug addiction was an issue that was constantly raised with her and that the Burdekin was no different to other parts of the State when it came to the lack of services.

“This drug is creating havoc in our regions and Annastacia Palaszczuk is simply turning a blind eye.

“There is no new money or any new ideas and the one rehabilitation facility Labor are building in Rockhampton has been delayed.

“The LNP has a comprehensive ICE plan that provides more treatment, more education and awareness and four additional rehabilitation and detox centres across regional Queensland.

Mr Last said that Police had advised that a large proportion of property crime in the Burdekin was drug-related so the lack of treatment options meant the whole community paid the price for government inaction.

“In a recent survey over 60% of people said they or their families were victims of crime and they are the people this government is letting down,” Mr Last said.

“If we are serious about helping people get treatment and bringing down the crime rate we need action, not just words and websites.

“Until the government funds treatment options adequately the services won’t be able to cope and the ICE epidemic will continue.”