The Wire

The Government introduced a trial to curb solvent abuse almost two years ago, allowing police to detain people who are inhaling volatile substances ,and take them to places of safety. The program was trialled in Mt Isa, Cairns, Tonwsville, Inner Brisbane and Logan, and provided the creation of safe houses where kids could be taken to dry out. But in Mt Isa, the Kalkadoon Aboriginal Corporation and local Police have created a program of their own – in repsonse to the trial’s obvious shortfalls. Program Coordinator Mike Collins and Acting Insepctor with the Mt Isa Police, Ian Anderson spoke of the challenges and success of the youth camps.