Hinchinbrook MP, Andrew Cripps, encouraged interested individuals and organisations to make a submission to the Federal Parliamentary Committee on Law Enforcement inquiry into crystal methamphetamine, the drug otherwise known as Ice.

Mr Cripps said while submissions were due by 10 June 2015, the committee had indicated that it will consider providing extensions to individuals and groups wishing to provide a submission after the closing date, given the lateness of the invitation.

“Crystal methamphetamine, or “Ice”, has unleashed a wave of concern in communities across Australia, including here in the Hinchinbrook electorate in North Queensland and the response needs to be well informed and coordinated” said Mr Cripps.

“Governments and law enforcement agencies have an important role to play, but I believe that it is the efforts and attitudes of the broader community that is going to be the key to stopping the spread of this insidious drug and its shocking impacts” he said.

Mr Cripps said he had discussed the issue of illicit drug use in communities in the Hinchinbrook electorate with local police, community leaders and allied health and community support workers to better understand the issue in North Queensland.

“It’s got links to crime, it’s got links to family breakdown and social dysfunction, but the results of using Ice on an individual’s physical and mental health can be catastrophic for that person, their family and friends and this epidemic is a dreadful concern”.

“I’m glad the problem is getting national attention from the Commonwealth Government and it would be good if interested people and organisations from North Queensland had their say and put forward their perspectives to the committee”.

Mr Cripps said any potential submitter seeking an extension should contact the committee secretariat on (02) 6277 3419 or le.committee@aph.gov.au.