The final report of a study into the feasibility of setting up a medically supervised drug consumption room in the ACT has found a high level of satisfaction with the Territory’s alcohol and drug services.
Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith said the study ACT Medically Supervised Injecting Facility Feasibility Study was an action under the Health Directorate’s ACT Drug Strategy Action Plan 2018-2021 and tested the feasibility, need, effectiveness and appropriateness of establishing such a facility.
“The ACT is leading the nation with drug and alcohol policies that reflect our approach to harm minimisation,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“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,” she said.
“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.
Ms Stephen-Smith said the Report acknowledged the measures the Territory had 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,” she said.
“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.”
She said the Study was the result of a collaboration between the Directorate, the Burnet Institute and the Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy.
The 198-page Feasibility Study Report can be accessed on the Health Directorate’s website at this PS News link.
