Tuesday,30 April 2024


Questions without notice and ministers statements

Medically supervised injecting facilities


Evan MULHOLLAND, Ingrid STITT

Medically supervised injecting facilities

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.