Medically supervised injecting facilities
Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:19): (495) My question is for the Minister for Mental Health. Minister, the government’s media release dated 23 April stated that the government 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 so a second supervised injecting service will not proceed. Given the government consulted with the CBD community, why did the government choose to ignore the needs of the North Richmond community by placing a supervised injecting facility in a residential area next to a primary school?
Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:20): I thank Mr Mulholland for that question. I think you can see where this is all heading. I want to be really, really clear: the North Richmond MSIR was the subject of much debate in this place. It was the subject of multiple reviews, including the John Ryan review. Last week the government released its response to John Ryan’s work. It is absolutely abundantly clear through the review that John Ryan did that this supervised injecting service in North Richmond is saving lives, it is avoiding overdoses and it is helping that community, who have struggled with drug overdoses on their streets for decades – the sirens, the overdoses, the drug harm for all to see.
What we have announced in relation to the North Richmond medically supervised injecting room in response to John Ryan’s review is important. We have enhanced the model of care. In recommissioning that service we have added St Vincent’s Hospital’s expertise to make sure that that model of care is providing support to some of the most vulnerable people in our community. We know that many of them suffer from mental health issues that have never been treated, let alone diagnosed. The model of care that we have in the North Richmond service has been significantly enhanced. We have provided an additional $2.4 million to make sure that outreach teams are available in that precinct. We have also stood up an IDC, which means that the concerns of any community members are dealt with in an appropriate and whole-of-government way. This is a –
Members interjecting.
The PRESIDENT: Order! The opposition member asked the minister a question, then the opposition all shouted and the person who asked the question cannot not hear the answer.
Ingrid STITT: What I can make very clear to the house is the government’s ongoing commitment to that vital service. It plays a significant role in our AOD support services statewide, and it particularly serves a very important purpose for those in the North Richmond community. We will continue to support the life-saving treatment that occurs at that facility, and we will continue to support the people who need that facility in that area. Those opposite would prefer to stigmatise and demonise those people. We are about making sure they get the support they need to turn their lives around.
Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:23): Minister, the Ryan review was tasked with reviewing the trial of the North Richmond facility. However, as you failed to mention in your previous answer, the terms of reference did not extend to determining the suitability of location. As the government has now demonstrated a willingness to consider the needs of the broader CBD community as to site location, will you commit to reviewing the location of the North Richmond facility?
Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:23): No.