Richard Branson throws support behind Matt Noffs’ plans to create Australia’s first ice safe room

RICHARD Branson has said Australia needs to build ice safe rooms because of “strong evidence” they reduce crime and help people into treatment earlier.

Richard Branson has called on state governments and the Australian government to create ice safe rooms across Australia.

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BUSINESS magnate, investor and philanthropist Richard Branson has thrown his support behind Matt Noffs’ plan to create Australia’s first ice safe room.

“Following calls by Matt Noffs, Alex Wodak, Former Federal Police Commissioner Mick Palmer and Jacqui Lambie — I also urge both state governments and the Australian government to look into the establishment of safe rooms throughout the country,” he said.

Mr Noffs, chief executive of the Ted Noffs Foundation, tweeted Mr Branson’s support on Tuesday.

“There are now close to 100 of these types of facilities around the world with strong evidence showing how they reduce crime and help people into treatment earlier,” Mr Branson goes on to say.

Ted Noffs Foundation chief executive Matt Noffs wants to create Australia’s first safe ice room. Picture: Melvyn Knipe

“Australia pioneered harm reduction back in the 80s and the World Health Organisation took note.

“Australia can continue to lead the way in this field by reducing drug related harms to community by treating drug use as a public health issue, rather than a crime.”

Campaign material used in the Liverpool Council election has only bolstered Matt Noffs plans to create Australia’s first ice safe room.

The signs used in the Liverpool Council election this month.

Noffs Foundation was founded in 1970 by Reverend Ted Noffs and his wife Margaret Noffs and has expertise in treating young people with drug and alcohol problems and in particular those with comorbid mental health issues.

With a stronger platform, his thinking and planning has gone from ‘if’ to ‘where’.

Mr Noffs said information in the Liberal Party’s signs and flyers were misleading.

“Never assume to know what the community wants and never go against the evidence. The evidence never lies,” he said.

“After the election debacle, I realised this is not a council issue, but most definitely is a community issue.”

He now plans to take his proposal to the hospital, non-government organisations and state government.

“I’ve heard councillors shout over community members’ desire to move this proposal forward, so if the decision now is where this goes, I want the community to decide not only the where, but also how and when.”

Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie supports an ice safe room. Picture: Kym Smith

Mr Noffs said the ‘icescare’ campaign was a dangerous tactic.

“It’s not the 1940s anymore. Hopefully they’ll learn a lesson from this,” he said.

“The conversation has now shifted from ‘if’ to ‘where’.

“I’m certain we can help reduce crime and needles on the streets.”

Mr Noffs wanted to reiterate that the Street University and Ted Noffs would not run an ice safe room.

He said it would start small.

“It should be a trial for a couple of years and the hospital and non-government organisations should work together to develop the system to help get people into treatment,” he said.

“Our focus is to get people away from drugs.”

His next step is to organise another community forum.

“I want to make Liverpool safer. I want to see how we can transform Liverpool so when we think of it, not we’re not thinking about drugs,” he said.