Tackling crystal methamphetamine supply in rural and regional Australia
February 2023
Staff:
Associate Professor Caitlin Hughes, Professor Mark Halsey, Professor Andrew Goldsmith, Professor Jacqueline Bowden.
Project description:
This project tackles one of the leading drug policy and organised crime issues in Australia, namely the increased availability of crystal methamphetamine (ice) in rural and regional communities.
The first study of its kind nationally, it will use an innovative combination of qualitative and quantitative methods across six communities in three states to uncover how ice infiltrates regional communities, the drivers and mechanisms and impacts thereof.
Expected outcomes include a roadmap to reduce supply and harms, strengthened communities and enhanced international collaborations. With ice use and supply costing the Australian government $5 billion per year, the project stands to provide significant social, public health and economic benefits.
