Rehab, not prison, key to Australia's 'ice' epidemic: taskforce report

The key to overcoming the current methamphetamine (ice) epidemic in Australia lies with rehabilitation, rather than imprisonment, according to a new report into the drug scourge.

In his report, the head of the National Ice Taskforce, Ken Lay, has urged the Federal Government to consider a new approach, in which ice users are rehabilitated in the hope of decreasing demand for the drug.

"Ice users need treatment and support services that cater to their needs. While giving up ice is difficult, it is achievable," the report said.

"We must balance our efforts in law enforcement with action to curtail the demand for ice."

Lay's report said demand could be reduced with treatment services that include detoxification, counselling, rehabilitation and follow-up services.

The report maintained that despite efforts to get dealers off the street, that the demand for the drug was still strong.

Justice Minister Michael Keenan said on Thursday that while the government had made investments in law enforcement resources in policing borders and streets, they couldn't "arrest its way out of this problem".

"Our Nation's users are ultimately funding organized crime, so we have to tackle demand if our police are going to have a greater impact on supply," he said.

Rural Health Minister Fiona Nash also hopes that we, as a society, can continue to educate young people about drugs and the dangers involved in using them.

"We must also reduce demand by convincing young people never to try drugs and helping addicts stop using while supporting their families," she said.

The Australia Crime Commission intercepted a record 2 bullion AUD worth of ice before it hit the streets in 2014, with the number of users asking for help with the addiction has almost tripled. Enditem