ICE is a dangerous drug that can destroy relationships, health and lives, Mental Health Minister Mary Wooldridge says.
“Ice use affects not only the user, but their friends, families, workmates and the community," she said.
Ms Wooldridge's comments came as the state government announced a historic investment to tackle ice use across Victoria.
The $34 million boost to drug and alcohol support services will be paid over four years and will target the Gippsland, Grampians and Hume regions as well as outer-metropolitan suburbs.
Last year, Bendigo Health's emergency department received an extra $500,000 from the Victorian Coalition Government to help it better respond to drug and alcohol-affected patients.
Bendigo Health was one of 21 emergency departments across the state to receive four-year funding under the government’s Reducing the alcohol and drug toll: Victoria’s plan 2013-2017.
Ms Wooldridge said Victoria’s Parliamentary Inquiry into the supply and use of methamphetamines, and particularly ice, had moved across the state in recent months, hearing about the impacts of the drug.
“The inquiry echoed concerns we are hearing across the state about the dangerous and devastating impact of ice on families and communities,” Ms Wooldridge said.
