Injecting room identification check based on ‘honesty policy’

DRUG users will not have to show proof of identity to shoot up on ice at the state-sponsored medical injecting room and staff will have no way to check if a court has banned a person from using drugs.

DRUG users will not have to show proof of identity to shoot up on ice at the state-sponsored medical injecting room.

And staff will have no way to check if a court has banned a person from using drugs.

The state government had promised that those using the North Richmond centre would be registered, over 18, and unable to shoot up if a court had forbidden drug use.

ICE TO BE ALLOWED IN NORTH MELBOURNE INJECTING ROOMS

DRUG USERS SOUGHT FOR HEROIN SUPERVISION JOBS AT NORTH RICHMOND INJECTING ROOM

But the Herald Sun can reveal the room will operate largely on an honesty policy.

Users would declare their age, the drug being taken and the quantity, and would be told they were not allowed to use the room if under a court order; however, staff could not check this in real time.

SAFE INJECTING ROOM PLANS FOR NORTH RICHMOND REVEALED

Chief Commisioner Graham Ashton said police would be watching out for drug deales near the North Richmond injecting centre. Picture: Nicole Garmston

But the government said anyone known to be on parole or bail would be turned away.

And Victoria Police, which backs the injecting room, will watch out for any “significant drug dealers” near the centre, which is just metres from West Richmond Primary School.

“The community can be assured we will be watching that very closely,’’ Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said.

Six months ago, Health Minister Martin Foley said while heroin and other opioids would be allowed in the injecting room, ice and other amphetamines would be barred.

However, on Wednesday Mr Foley said that the expert advice was that the centre had to cater for all drug users.

in Sydney’s Kings Cross, which allowed the use of all injectable drugs. He said police would monitor and support the centre, which he agreed was controversial.

“You have to try things and see if they work,’’ he said.

“We are sensible enough to know that people go in with ice, heroin, and other types of drugs. No use saying you can use your heroin here but you have to go around the corner and shoot up your ice.”

Six months ago, Health Minister Martin Foley said while heroin and other opioids would be allowed in the injecting room, ice and other amphetamines would be barred. Picture: AAP

Mr Ashton said Victoria Police had always agreed to follow the example of the injecting room

Injecting centre staff will not weigh drugs, despite being restricted from holding a trafficable quantity.

Nor will they test what the drugs are, relying on the user to tell them.

The government says this practice is based on best international experience.

If staff members suspect a user is under age, they can then ask for proof of age.

Opposition mental health spokeswoman Emma Kealy said the government should focus on rehabilitation.

“The more we hear about (Premier) Daniel Andrews’s ice-injecting room, the worse it gets,” she said.

“(He) should be taking steps to help addicts get clean with better access to rehabilitation services, but instead he is making it easier to take dangerous drugs like ice and risking the safety of our communities.”

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