Released 25/03/2021
The ACT Government has today released the final report of a study into the feasibility of establishing a medically supervised injecting facility in the ACT.
The ACT Medically Supervised Injecting Feasibility Study investigated the feasibility, need, effectiveness and appropriateness of establishing a medically supervised drug consumption room in the ACT.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the feasibility work was an action under the ACT Drug Strategy Action Plan 2018-2021 and an example of the ACT Government’s ongoing commitment to harm minimisation.
“The ACT is leading the nation with drug and alcohol policies that reflect our approach to harm minimisation. We will continue to invest in evidence based and practice-informed harm minimisation responses to the use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs.
“The findings from this report will help to inform further community discussion as we continue to develop policies and initiatives that reduce the harms associated with drug use.
“Additional scoping work will be required before a decision is made on whether to proceed with a drug consumption room in the ACT, including community consultation, an assessment of the existing legislative framework and further development of an appropriate model.
“The report found a high level of satisfaction with alcohol and drug services in the ACT and acknowledges other measures the Government has taken to reduce drug overdose deaths, such as Australia’s first take-home naloxone program. This gives us a strong base from which to consider further harm minimisation measures,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
The ACT Government will now consider the findings of the report and discuss these as part of broader sector planning with the local alcohol and drug sector.
The study was a collaboration between the Burnet Institute and the Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy and the Government thanks all those organisations and people with lived experience who contributed.
The report can be accessed at:
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Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases