Questions without notice and ministers statements
Drug harm reduction
Aiv PUGLIELLI (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:00): (901) My question today is to the Minister for Police in the other place. As you would be aware, naloxone is a safe-to-use and life-saving overdose reversal medication that is now becoming more readily available in Victoria. It is great that people can now access naloxone from pharmacists and from vending machines, but we heard recently that Victoria Police are being told by their higher-ups that they are not allowed to carry this medication due to insurance concerns. Police in WA carry it as standard issue, and last year it was announced that Queensland police would also begin to carry this easy-to-administer medication. Minister, I would like your assessment: what is the specific barrier that is preventing Victoria Police from carrying naloxone?
Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:01): I note that some of that might overlap with the Minister for Mental Health. But in relation to your question addressed to the Minister for Police, I will make sure that is referred on for an appropriate response in line with the standing orders.
Aiv PUGLIELLI (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:01): I thank the minister. This is a low-risk, easy-to-use medication that saves lives in the crucial minutes after an opioid overdose. In Scotland, during the first year that police carried naloxone, they saved 53 lives through its use. Police are often the first responders to overdoses in our state. It is vital that they are equipped to offer life-saving care, and that certainly includes naloxone. Minister, will you commit to overcoming the current barriers, via regulation or legislation or whatever is required, so that Victoria Police may also carry naloxone?
Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:02): I thank Mr Puglielli for that supplementary question and his interest in this important issue. I will make sure that is referred on to the Minister for Police in the other place for an appropriate response.