General David Hurley saw first-hand Tamworth’s Youth Centre in action and spoke with deputy mayor Russell Webb about the spread of ice crippling rural and regional areas. 

“Ice is a huge concern,” General Hurley said.

“It is a serious issue that crosses through all the socio-economic groups in every community.”

He said he believed the widespread use of the drug in young people stemmed from “a sense of loss of identity or acceptance of self-worth” and said it was vital to listen to the voices of young people. 

“Young people sometimes seek the thrill, but don’t understand the dangers,” he said.

“Young people do face enormous pressures.”

Last week federal Assistant Health Minister Fiona Nash told The Leader that the innocuous drug was not something that could simply be “policed out of”. 

General Hurley agreed. 

“There is no silver bullet ... just as the military is not the solution to everything. Neither is policing,” he said. 

General Hurley said the new youth centre was a step in the right direction for tackling the issue, with its focus on recreation and creating a safe space for young people with ready access to services. 

“Sometimes kids don’t know how to approach services,” he said. 

Youth unemployment, homelessness and a lack of youth volunteering – the young looking outside themselves and giving their time to their communities – were other issues General Hurley noted.