July 2, 2015
Federal MP Darren Chester says he is not surprised by the latest allegation of illicit drug use in the AFL but warned the problem was more widespread than elite sport.
Mr Chester spoke in Parliament earlier this year about his concerns regarding reports of methamphetamine use, particularly ice, at regional and suburban football clubs.
“There are plenty of anecdotal reports of football players using methamphetamine in an attempt to enhance their performance but it’s hard to get a true indication of how widespread the problem has become,” he said.
“I’m sure the vast majority of clubs and individual players are doing the right thing but when you have an ‘at risk’ group it would be naive and foolish to believe there wasn’t some level of illicit drug use.
“We need to get better at raising awareness of the risks involved to young people as a prevention and enforcement measure, but we also need more assistance in regional areas for rehabilitation services.
“Once a person is addicted to these substances, it’s primarily a health issue and we need to increase the availability of publicly funded rehabilitation services in regional communities.
“At the same time, anyone in a position of trust and authority at a football club, such as a president or coach, should be banned for life by football authorities if they are caught trafficking illicit drugs to players, in addition to whatever sanctions the courts may impose.
“We have to get serious about tackling the drug culture and it starts with awareness and education measures to reduce demand while also supporting increased enforcement and targeting of traffickers to reduce supply.”
Mr Chester is working with East Gippsland football authorities to support an amphetamine education event later this year and has asked Gippslanders to suggest other practical measures to reduce the impact of ice and other drugs.
Speaking in Parliament earlier this year, Mr Chester highlighted the importance of regional football clubs playing a leadership role, but also warned young men were a high-risk group.
“It is undoubtedly a target market for those who wish to sell these products,” Mr Chester told Parliament.
“You are talking about young, fit and active men. Most of them have jobs and some disposable income. They are perfect for the market that the criminals are seeking to capitalise on.
“Ice can spread like a cancer among young men who, almost by definition, have little appreciation of their own mortality.”