Daniel Andrews likes to claim his Medically Supervised Injecting Room (MSIR) is saving lives, but has failed to report key performance data showing how many people have sought further treatment to get their life back on track.
A key measure of the MSIR’s performance is data showing how many clients have gone on to seek treatment for drug and alcohol addiction.
Yet Prof Wallace confirmed that tracking these referrals was still a key performance measure for the MSIR.
The Andrews Labor Government must explain if this data just isn’t being reported or if it is, why it’s being kept secret.
A review of the MSIR found there was “no observable difference in the number of people who have died from heroin overdoses before and after the establishment of the MSIR, either in the City of Yarra or across Victoria”.
Comment attributable to Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy:
“The Andrews Labor Government says this facility is ‘saving lives’, but can’t – or won’t – say how many clients have actually got their life back on track.”
“The Government’s focus is on measuring overdoses and resuscitations rather than also making sure clients are getting the help they need before it’s too late.
“This Government must prioritise helping people get on the road out of addiction, rather than sitting back and turning a blind eye while vulnerable Victorians continue the downward spiral to crisis point.”
