The Victorian Liberals and Nationals will this week move common-sense amendments to the Andrews Government’s injecting room laws.
Key to these amendments is a suitability of premises requirement that mirrors New South Wales legislation and an explicit ban on injecting rooms being located within 250 metres of a school.
Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Emma Kealy, said that for the safety of our children, injecting rooms must never operate next door to primary schools.
“The Liberals and Nationals’ amendments strike a sensible balance, but most importantly ensure school aged children will be kept safe from the anti-social activity that has plagued the North Richmond injecting room,” Ms Kealy said.
“The Ryan review told us there’s been a significant increase in anti-social activity around the injecting room and the need for further measures to protect and improve local community safety and amenity.
“Labor has stubbornly refused to listen to the local residents and school community. Instead of pushing ahead with a model that leaves locals behind, the Andrews Government must support these common-sense amendments.”