Govt splurges $18m for new ice crackdown

People high on ice who attack health workers could face significantly tougher punishments under the latest federal government crackdown on the illicit drug.

The government will also spend an extra $18 million from the proceeds of crime to strengthen the national criminal intelligence system, establishing Australian Crime Commission outposts in Hong Kong, Dubai, Ottawa and Washington, and to increase efforts to confiscate assets from ice dealers.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott told reporters on Wednesday he expected to soon reach a deal with the states and territories on taking stronger action against people with unexplained wealth.