Speaking from Bendigo on Monday, Mr Wells said methamphetamine abuse was a growing issue in regional Australia.

“It is so frustrating,” he said. "And it's very sad."

“I feel for the parents who are dealing with a child who is on ice, who is running wild because of the effects of ice.

“The Victorian government is doing everything possible from a law and order point of view and a health point of view to be able to start shutting this down.”

Mr Wells said he met with police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay every week.

“The two main issues we discuss are the issues of family violence and drugs,” he said.

“And the main drug that we’re concerned about is obviously ice.

“When you look at family violence and robberies and thefts, some of it leads back to ice, younger people committing a crime to be able to get the money to pay for ice.

“It’s absolutely devastating when you hear about the effects of a young person attacking a family member and creating a family violence situation because they’re on ice.”

The government has targeted outlaw motorcycle gangs who are “heavily involved” in the drug, Mr Wells said.  

The government has announced funding for drug and alcohol services, but Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said Bendigo had missed out. She said money spent on protective services officers could be better spent on ice services.