State government responds to key crossbencher’s push for three new injecting rooms

The state government will not support a push by key crossbencher Fiona Patten to increase the number of supervised injecting rooms in Melbourne to five.

Alongside the existing North Richmond facility, and a second centre proposed for the CBD, the Reason Party leader has suggested locations in St Kilda, Footscray and Dandenong.

“Where we’re suggesting that they go is in line with the ambulance call outs for overdoses,” Ms Patten told Ross and Russel.

“We know that, for example, St Kilda was very close behind North Richmond in the number of ambulance callouts, but also in the number of deaths.”

Ms Patten wants the sites to be smaller and more discreet than the controversial existing injecting room in North Richmond, and would offer pill testing.

Acting Premier James Merlino says the government does not support an additional three venues.

Press PLAY below to hear Fiona Patten on air with Ross and Russel

(Image: Google Maps)