Tuesday, 27 May 2025

Medically supervised injecting facilities

Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:23): (920) My question is for the Minister for Mental Health, so I will direct it to Minister Symes. While the 2023 Ryan review recognised the life-saving work of the North Richmond medically supervised injecting room, it also identified issues with neighbourhood amenities, particularly in relation to people gathering around the facility. The government’s response included establishing the North Richmond precinct revitalisation interdepartmental committee to provide enhanced outreach services from September 2023 to address community concerns and support the community and MSIR clients. Can the minister provide an update on these initiatives and on any work to improve the facility’s surroundings to proactively and effectively eliminate the congregation of clients as per the review’s recommendation?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:24): I thank Ms Payne for her question. The issues that you raise I know are a priority for Minister Stitt, and apologies that she is not here to respond herself. I am sure she would be delighted to, but I will make sure that her office gets cracking on your answer.

Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:24): Thank you to the minister for referring that on. By way of supplementary, can the minister update the house on how local residents and businesses are being engaged to ensure these amenity improvements are meeting community needs?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:25): I will pass Ms Payne’s supplementary question on to the minister.