The state government’s decision to scrap the opening of a second-safe injecting facility in Melbourne’s CBD has been heavily criticised by advocates.
Drug Policy Australia chairman Gregg Chipp called the backflip a “heartless tragedy” that “puts the brakes” on the harm reduction movement.
“Quite clearly the Allan Government just doesn’t give a shit about people dying of overdoses,” he said.
“They’re not doing enough to help these people nor are they doing enough to help their families”.
The opening of a second injecting facility was recommended in a review of the original North Richmond site last year. In its place, the Victorian government has proposed a $36 million service on Flinders Street which includes a trial of hydromorphone treatment.
Mr Chipp praised the move but said it was ultimately “inadequate” to deal with Victoria’s increase in overdose deaths and heroin use.
In November last year, a report from the Coroner’s Court revealed 549 people died from drug overdoses in 2022 – the worst figure in a decade.
More than 75 per cent of deaths occurred in metropolitan Melbourne.
