Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan Abandons Plans for Second Supervised Injecting Room in Melbourne CBD

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has abandoned plans for a second supervised injecting room in Melbourne's CBD, marking a clear shift from the approach of her predecessor Daniel Andrews. The decision has risked morale within the Labor caucus, as some members had pushed for the facility.

Allan cited the difficulty in finding a suitable location for the new facility that would meet the needs of both drug users and the wider community. "The North Richmond injecting room is very different to what had been proposed for Melbourne's CBD," Allan stated, rejecting calls for a review into the existing facility.

The government is now facing a renewed parliamentary push to move the North Richmond injecting room, which is located next to a primary school. The location has caused concern among some locals, but Allan said she has not been given advice to relocate it.

Why this matters: Victoria faces a high rate of drug overdose deaths, with over 549 Victorians dying from overdoses in 2022 and more than one-in-10 fatal heroin overdoses occurring in the City of Melbourne. The decision to abandon the second injecting room plan has significant implications for public health and drug policy in the state.

The decision to dump the CBD facility has been welcomed by Melbourne traders and the police union, but criticized by supporters who say it will cost lives. Instead of a new injecting facility, the government will spend $95 million on other health strategies, including a medical hub and a new trial of a treatment for drug addiction.

Premier Allan's decision to abandon the second injecting room plan has been her most significant independent move since becoming Premier, differing from the approach of former Premier Daniel Andrews. As Victoria grapples with a high rate of drug overdose deaths, the government's shift in drug policy is set to have significant consequences for public health and community safety in the state.

Key Takeaways

• Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan abandoned plans for a second supervised injecting room in Melbourne's CBD.
• The decision has risked morale within the Labor caucus, as some members had pushed for the facility.
• Victoria faces a high rate of drug overdose deaths, with over 549 Victorians dying from overdoses in 2022.
• The government will spend $95 million on other health strategies, including a medical hub and a new trial of a treatment for drug addiction.
• Premier Allan's decision to abandon the second injecting room plan has been her most significant independent move since becoming Premier.