THE time has come for decisive action on the drugs scourge that is becoming an increasing problem in regional and rural Australia.
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Once relatively untouched by an issue often seen as affecting metropolitan centres only, regional areas such as Wagga must now come to terms with the proliferation of drugs and the many problems that this creates for communities.
In Friday's The Daily Advertiser, Wagga paramedics painted a concerning picture about the way their lives had been impacted upon by people under the influence of drugs.
While the amazing contribution paramedics make to our society is sometimes overlooked, many in our community are oblivious to the risks and dangers faced by these individuals as they go about their normal work saving lives and helping people in distress.
Paramedics are now so concerned about the way drugs are affecting people many of whom need their help they will no longer offer assistance until police arrive.
The very nature of ice makes people aggressive and agitated and while paramedics are always looking to provide essential care to patients, they find themselves frustrated by these individuals.
Leading paramedic Eamonn Purcell said the time had now come where paramedics had to put their own safety before the welfare of those who have called for assistance as they should.
"Because ice promotes aggressive, paranoid and irrational behaviour, we're more aware that the scenes we are going to are increasingly violent," he said.
It is an unacceptable situation and one that we must not tolerate.
Some argue that drug abuse is a health issue, but it can be equally debated that people make a conscious choice to take drugs and must therefore be accountable for their actions.
Either way, our front line health carers and police should never be the victims of people who, under the influence of illegal drugs, become violent.
Instead of making excuses for those who lash out because of drug abuse, our legislators and courts must send a very clear message there is no tolerance for this type of behaviour.
It certainly won't prevent it from happening, but it will at least show our paramedics and police a level of support that is currently missing.
