The Andrews Labor Government has voted against sensible amendments backed by overwhelming evidence that Medically Supervised Injecting Rooms (MSIR) should not operate next-door to schools.
Labor has ignored concerns in the Ryan report around the escalating number of discarded needles and the impact of the injecting room on the safety and amenity of the area, including on the Richmond West Primary School.
Only 25 pages of the Ryan report have been released publicly, if Labor has nothing to hide, it should release the full report immediately.
Labor has voted to embed in legislation that injecting rooms can operate next to schools and community centres across the state, ignoring evidence of increased anti-social and dangerous drug-related behaviour surrounding the North Richmond MSIR.
Prohibiting injecting rooms operating next to schools, childcare centre and community centres would bring Victoria into line with New South Wales legislation, but importantly, is consistent with the Ryan report.
This amendment puts Victorian school children first. It is the right thing to do, and it is what numerous reports and evidence from around the world shows is best practice.
Labor still has an opportunity to do the right thing and bring Victoria’s legislation into line with the world’s best practice when the bill comes before the Legislative Council in May.