The State Government has rejected proposals to create supervised injecting rooms in the CBD, instead announcing plans to build a new community health hub on Flinders Street.
In a statement released on April 23, the government cited an inability to find a suitable location that balances the needs of both drug users and the community.
The decision came after the government released a long-delayed report by former police commissioner Ken Lay, which had previously been kept secret.
The proposal, submitted to the government in May last year, included recommendations to create small safe injecting rooms with booths for four to six people in frequently used areas of the city. I didn't accept it.
“A second supervised injection service cannot proceed because the government has not identified an appropriate facility that balances the needs of drug users with the needs of the wider CBD community,” the statement said.
In his report, Ray said: “Injection services pilots that focus on being good neighbors – working with the communities they serve and surround them – have the greatest potential to achieve their core objectives. It will have sex.”
But Mental Health Minister Ingrid Stitt instead responded to “all the recommendations” in the Rae report, saying she would “deliver all but one of them, including more support for suburban and regional services.” announced a $95.11 million “statewide action plan'' to provide ”.
This included the creation of a new $36.4 community health service in the former Yorala building at 244 Flinders Street, which was originally intended to house a safe injecting room.
The government said the hub would be a “point of contact for comprehensive health and social support services” and would include Victoria's first clinical trial of hydromorphone treatment.
Selected participants will be identified by CoHealth, which conducts trials of powerful drugs with the aim of diverting people from the illicit drug market.
“Drugs affect every community, with approximately 90 per cent of heroin overdose deaths occurring outside of Melbourne. “We need a state-wide solution that strengthens services in areas where access to care is difficult,” the government said.
“The Statewide Action Plan will do just that, starting with increasing much-needed services for the most effective treatment option available to alleviate the problems arising from opioid dependence: pharmacotherapy. .”
Mr Stitt said drug therapy was the most effective treatment option available, and the government was investing $8.4 million through a grant program targeted at high-need areas and areas with pressing service shortages. He pointed out that up to 30 locations will be able to intensify drug treatment, allowing up to 1,500 people to receive treatment. .
As part of a health-led approach to addressing drug harm in the city, multiple agencies, health care providers and the community will come together in a 'CBD Reference Group' to coordinate the local response.
The government said the Victorian Health and Construction Authority will begin design and procurement work at 244 Flinders Street immediately, and that CoHealth will now expand its outreach services in the CBD and roll out the new site from 1 July. Ta.
On April 23, work also began on the drug naloxone, which reverses overdoses, and will be tested in 20 vending machines alongside the needle exchange program.
The plan will also appoint Victoria's first 'Chief Addictions Adviser' within the Department of Health and begin developing Victoria's first state-wide strategy to address long-term drug harm. There is.
In addition to the new location, the plan also includes wrap-around services at the Salvation Army at 69 Bourke Street, which has also been considered for an injection facility, providing medical, nursing and mental health support. do.
Cohealth chief executive Nicole Bartholomeusz said her organization would work closely with the CBD community to increase access to healthcare in the city centre.
“Through our unwavering commitment to harm reduction, we work closely with communities, stakeholders, partners, people who need our services, and governments to bring compassion and expertise to those most in need. We will continue to provide support to people. Our goal is to build a healthier, safer and more inclusive community,” she said.
The Salvation Army's Major Brendan Nottle welcomed the Government's announcement, saying it would provide “significant support to some of the most vulnerable people in the city and across the state”. We believe these efforts can truly help save lives. ”
Northern Capital Territory Liberal MP Evan Mulholland, who represents the CBD, said he was pleased the debate had been resolved.
“I have spoken publicly on behalf of residents and CBD traders in Parliament and in the media about how harmful CBD injection rooms are and I am pleased that this debate has been resolved,” Mulholland said. .
“This long-awaited decision ends years of uncertainty for residents, traders and visitors to Melbourne's CBD and provides a common sense solution to the growing problem of drug and alcohol addiction. It provides an opportunity to focus on things.”
“Now that this overdue decision has been taken, the focus must now turn to delivering services to address the worsening of drug addiction, which continues to rise under the Arran Labor government.”
Mayor Sally Capp said the council welcomed the Victorian Government's “state-wide response to a state-wide problem”.
“The announcement of a dedicated and comprehensive approach to long-term health and social support will make a positive difference to the lives of many more people,” Cr Cap said.
“Speculation about a second injection room has created uncertainty for traders, residents and workers in the city. We now have a resolution to the Ken Lay report and You can move on to improving your health and comfort.”
“The City of Melbourne has a very dedicated and dedicated street support team and we will continue to work closely with the Victorian Government and health authorities to explore further opportunities to improve health and wellbeing across the city. ” •
