State government says its “Addiction Action Plan” on track for the CBD 

Key initiatives of the Victorian Government’s Statewide Action Plan to combat drug addiction are under way, with a suite of outreach programs already rolled out and a new community health service expected to open in 2026.

In April 2024, the Statewide Action Plan was announced in response to a report by former Victoria Police commissioner Ken Lay, which provided a range of recommendations on how the government can help combat addiction, including a safe injecting room in the CBD, which was the only recommendation rejected.

Rather than opting for a supervised injecting facility, the government will be delivering a $36.4 million community centre at 244 Flinders St, with the design currently being finalised before public exhibition.

A Victorian Government spokesperson told CBD News that all components of the Statewide Action Plan were being rolled out on schedule and that it was providing vital support to people struggling with addiction, not only within the City of Melbourne but across all of Victoria.

“Whether it’s introducing pill testing, doubling the number of rehab beds, or expanding access to pharmacotherapy – we’re getting on with the job of addressing and reducing drug and alcohol harms in our community,” the spokesperson said. 

To help guide future policy and services throughout the CBD and across the state, new advisory positions and groups have been established.

In October last year, Dr Paul MacCartney was appointed as Victoria’s first Chief Addiction Medicine Adviser and will serve as the government’s principal adviser on issues related to addiction, drug use, and harm reduction.

Working alongside a panel of experts, Dr MacCartney will help guide the development of Victoria’s first-ever Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy to address drug harms over the long term.

Meanwhile, the not-for-profit community health organisation cohealth successfully launched its City Street Health program, with the number of outreach teams working across the CBD doubling since the action plan was announced.

These teams provide expert care and support to the CBD’s most vulnerable residents, including the tools and information people need to reduce the chance of overdose, alongside the provision of first aid and referral to wraparound services.

They are also responsible for distributing naloxone, a drug that can temporarily reverse opioid overdose. Additionally, 20 naloxone vending machines will be placed in key areas of need.

Another aspect of the action plan specifically tailored to the City of Melbourne is the establishment of the CBD Reference Group, which will include local businesses, government agencies, service partners, and residents.

The reference group, which is currently being finalised, will help set up the community health hub and ensure that people struggling with addiction within the city have access to the necessary services. •