Cowboys and LNP lead the charge against ICE

Monday, October 26, 2020

A ground-breaking partnership with the North Queensland Cowboys is part of the LNP’s plan to tackle the ICE crisis gripping regional communities.

LNP Leader Deb Frecklington pledged to invest $2 million in an awareness and mental health support program aimed at high-risk groups, particularly 15 to 35-year-olds.

The partnership is backed up with an $8 million dedicated police ICE taskforce and $2 million funding boost for drug detective squads.

“ICE is infiltrating our small towns and cities, families are being torn apart, and it is destroying the very fabric of our communities,” Ms Frecklington said.

“A government I lead will take strong and decisive action so we don’t lose a generation of Queenslanders to this terrible drug.

“I believe we can achieve positive change in local communities by working with the North Queensland Cowboys to end the scourge of ICE.

“I’m proud to have the Cowboys on my team to tackle the ICE crisis head on.

“I want to steer young Queenslanders away from drugs and into jobs.

“There will be more treatment, more prevention, more rehabilitation under the LNP.

“It’s part of my vision to make Queensland the best and safest place to live, work and raise a family.”

The $2 million funding commitment will create a high impact interactive educational roadshow presentation demonstrating scenarios around drug use and suppliers.

LNP candidate for Mundingburra and police Inspector Glenn Doyle said the LNP’s dedicated police ICE taskforce would help shut down the big crime gangs that peddle drugs to our kids.

“Many of Queensland’s organised crime networks are linked with ICE,” Mr Doyle said.

“A dedicated taskforce and more investment in drug detective squads will stop manufacturing and smash the supply chain of ICE in our state.”

LNP candidate for Townsville John Hathaway said the LNP’s targeted approach would deliver positive local outcomes.

“With the Cowboys leading the charge with us, we will engage with schools, sport clubs, PCYCs and community events to raise awareness of the dangers associated with ICE and other illicit drugs,” Mr Hathaway said.

“The Cowboys will push resources through social media channels for maximum engagement and also on Cowboys game days.”

LNP candidate for Thuringowa Natalie Marr said there was a real risk of losing a generation of young Queenslanders to ICE.

“Our plan to provide better support and treatment services is more important than ever during a recession,” Ms Marr said.

“There needs to be leadership to help people cope with the stresses of job security and financial security for them and their families.”

The LNP’s partnership program with the will be focused on education and will raise awareness of the dangers associated with ICE and other illicit drugs. It will link into mental health and other health support services as part of the LNP’s comprehensive plan.

It will be delivered through local opportunities to engage with:

  • Senior school students
  • Local sporting clubs
  • PCYCs
  • Community events

The LNP’s comprehensive ICE plan also includes four new rehab and detox facilities in Townsville, Wide Bay, Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast to provide more treatment services to help those struggling with addiction. 

The LNP announced today:

  • A $2m dedicated indigenous treatment team based in Cairns to provide fly-in, fly-out health support to rural and remote communities in the Far North.  
  • An $8m dedicated Police Ice Taskforce to restrict supply by cracking down on criminal gang networks, in partnership with the Australian Border Force and Australian Federal Police. It will use existing officers as part of a specialist squad focused on busting the manufacturing and supply chain of ICE.
  • Extra $2m funding for drug detective squads will provide either additional overtime for existing drug squads, or additional detectives, where needed (by promoting officers).