23/4/2024: No Medically Supervised Injecting Room Trial for Melbourne's CBD
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation is disappointed that Victoria’s Allan Labor Government has ruled out trialling a medically supervised injecting room in Melbourne’s CBD, despite calls from health experts and a report by former Victoria Police Commissioner, Ken Lay, which clearly recommend a trial.
Ken Lay’s report, which was officially released today, states: ‘there is a continuing and clear need to establish a supervised injecting service trial in the City of Melbourne.’
Sadly though, the Allan Labor Government announced today that it would not proceed with a trial, saying ‘it has been unable to identify a suitable site that balances the needs of people who use drugs with the needs of the broader CBD community’.
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation's CEO, Dr Erin Lalor AM, said she was incredibly saddened by the news.
“We are deeply disappointed that the Victorian Government has rejected expert advice and will not trial a medically supervised injecting room in Melbourne’s CBD,” she said.
“Sadly, the latest data shows around two people are dying of heroin-related overdoses each month in the City of Melbourne. That's the highest number of heroin-related deaths across the state. These heartbreaking deaths have a ripple effect on the community, with friends and families suffering.
“A medically supervised injecting room in Melbourne’s CBD would prevent overdose deaths, reduce drug-related harm and connect people with vital health and social support services,” Dr Lalor explained.
Despite being astounded by the Government’s rejection of the recommendation for a medically supervised injecting room trial in the CBD, Dr Lalor has welcomed additional supports for people who use alcohol and other drugs, also announced today.
The Allan Labor Government announced a $95.11 million Statewide Action Plan, to ‘save lives and reduce drug harm’, including:
- $8.4 million to boost pharmacotherapy in up to 30 locations
- 20 naloxone vending machines to be trialled alongside existing needle exchanges
- trialling an overdose prevention and response helpline
- the expansion of cohealth outreach teams across the CBD and trialling outreach services in two new locations outside the CBD
- a new community health service at 244 Flinders St, due to open in 2026. It will host a Victorian-first hydromorphone treatment trial for select participants.
“We welcome the harm reduction initiatives announced by the Allan Government today, as a suite of measures is needed to prevent and reduce drug-related harms. However, we would much prefer these initiatives be introduced alongside a medically supervised injecting room trial in the CBD,” Dr Lalor said.
“Medically supervised injecting rooms save lives, as well as provide vulnerable people with links to other critical health services, such as mental health support, and alcohol and other drug treatment.”
If people are worried about their own, or a relative or friend’s alcohol or other drug use, there is lots of help and support available.
People can visit adf.org.au/path2help, an intuitive online portal that uses a simple set of questions to identify information and support services based on each person’s specific needs and circumstances.
People can also call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
ENDS
For media enquiries please call the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s media team on 0430 948 380 or email media@adf.org.au.