Meth solutions discussed with mental health minister in Bunbury

The ninety minute public event was an opportunity for the community to learn what current and future strategies are provided by the state government. It also gave the public a chance to ask the minister questions and to provide feedback. 

Minister Mitchell said it is vital in her job to visit regional areas and listen to people in the community. 

“I am a big believer that we need to make a difference in people’s lives and we need to work together to create real change,” she said. 

“Together as a community we can achieve this.”

Ms Mitchell said her government are working hard to ensure that help is available to people when they accept that they need help. 

“We need to make sure we are providing services while working to stop people getting involved with drugs and helping those who do earlier,” she said. 

“There is no one solution but we are pleased to have started a 24/7 meth helpline for people who need to call and have someone to talk to in critical times.”

The forum also heard from Doors Wide Open creators Lina Pugh and Julie Kent who spoke about working to plug a gap they have identified in support services for those battling methamphetamine addictions. 

“We aim to be a bridge between addicts, their families and support services,” Ms Pugh said. 

“We are in regular contact with about 200 families and don’t pretend to be professional or clinical support – but we are supporting them nonetheless.

“Having both had children battle this drug, Julie and I know just how lonely it can be and how we can best support others in a similar situation.” 

During the day, the minister also met with key frontline and support services.

Mr Morison said the fight against methamphetamines in Bunbury is his top election priority with the state government committing $14.9 million to the WA Meth Strategy. 

“I am determined that the multi-pronged approach should deliver outcomes for the biggest regional city, especially with the well documented problems our community is facing,” Mr Morison said.

“Methamphetamine affects too many people and their families and is one of the important issues facing our community."

City of Bunbury councillor Murray Cook asked if the government would consider a decriminalised system similar to that of Portugal, where those found in possession of drugs for personal consumption were aggressively targeted with therapy or community service rather than fines. 

Minister Mitchell said the government would not support moves to decriminalise illicit substance abuse as the long term effects of such a move are not known.