Eden FOSTER (Mulgrave) (19:12): (1854) My adjournment matter is directed to the Minister for Mental Health in the other place, and the action I seek is for the needle syringe bin and dispensing unit opposite St Joseph’s Primary School in Springvale in my electorate to be relocated to an alternate medical site and for the health response to be bolstered by an alcohol and other drug outreach support team. As a former psychologist who has worked in the AOD sector, I understand the value in harm minimisation policies such as the needle syringe program. However, there are concerns about the current location being the most appropriate one for the community and those who access it. For over 12 months I have been speaking with local business owners, community leaders and parents throughout Springvale who all support the needle syringe program but do not want the location opposite a primary school. I have also witnessed the increase in drug use in our community since the pandemic and recognise that we need additional funding to support these vulnerable people in our community. An AOD outreach team in Springvale would fill the gaps left by the needle syringe program being moved and would ensure that we are continuing appropriate harm minimisation policies to foster better health outcomes in Springvale.
I want to thank everyone who has spent time speaking to me on this issue. Their feedback has been incredibly helpful. I would particularly like to thank members of the Springvale Asian Business Association, Richard Lim OAM and local councillors for their advocacy. I would also like to thank the minister for her engagement on this issue.