Greens leader Richard Di Natale calls for drug ice to be decriminalised

The Greens appear to be on a collision course with the federal government over the proposed decriminalisation of ice.

Greens leader Richard Di Natale told Tom Elliott on Friday it was time for Australia to change its approach in tackling the drug issue which has plagued the community.

‘Rather than sending them through the courts, they should be sent for treatment,’ Mr Di Natale said on 3AW Drive.

Click PLAY below to hear Richard Di Natale explain more on 3AW Drive

He said he did not want the drug legalised.

‘I think we’ve got to be really careful about the language here,’ Mr Di Natale explained.

‘I don’t support the legalisation of ice ? I think that would be a terrible mistake.

‘Legalising means making it available for sale.

‘I think you shouldn’t never do that for a drug like ice.’

But environment minister Greg Hunt said decriminalisation would ‘legitimise’ drug use and would lead to disaster.

‘I think this a terrible and frightening idea,’ he said.

Click PLAY below to hear Greg Hunt hit back on 3AW Drive