In a dramatic turn of events, the City of Melbourne's council has found itself embroiled in a contentious debate, leading to the reversal of its support for a medically supervised injecting service (MSIS) in the Central Business District (CBD). This pivotal decision was reached during a council meeting on November 25, 2025, and has ignited passionate discussions among officials and citizens alike.
The motion, spearheaded by Councillor Phil Le Liu, aims to formally retract the council’s endorsement of the injecting service, a stance initially taken in 2021 and reaffirmed in 2022. At that time, the council had backed the state government's initiative for a second injecting room, which followed an independent expert assessment. Following extensive deliberation, the motion passed with a vote of seven to four, signifying a major policy change that has drawn criticism from those who believe the council has strayed from an evidence-based public health strategy.
Councillor Le Liu’s proposition stated that establishing an injecting room in Melbourne's CBD "is not supported in any form due to the potential negative effects on the safety and well-being of local businesses, residents, and visitors." The motion also directed both the Lord Mayor and the CEO to communicate with the Premier and Health Minister to express the council’s updated position and advocate for increased funding for drug rehabilitation initiatives.
In stark opposition, Councillor Andrew Rowse voiced a powerful critique, labeling the motion as "one of the most embarrassingly least evidenced motions I’ve seen in this chamber." He argued that the motion disregards decades of research, contradicts the council's own strategic plans, and presents assumptions as if they were facts. Rowse cautioned that the decision undermines commitments enshrined in the recently adopted Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.
He emphasized that medically supervised injecting services are among the most rigorously evaluated health interventions worldwide, referencing findings from coronial inquiries, medical institutions, and peer-reviewed studies. These studies have shown that such services lead to decreases in overdose fatalities, ambulance dispatches, and public drug use, all without contributing to higher crime rates or violence.
"This isn’t about granting approval for a facility today," he clarified. "It’s a matter of whether we, as a council, rule out proven health interventions before any proposals even surface. It's illogical to advocate for greater access to treatment while simultaneously dismissing the most effective entry point into that treatment. It would be akin to opposing motorcycle helmets while supporting measures aimed at enhancing rider safety. The motion directly contradicts its own declared goals."
Councillor Dr. Olivia also took a stand against the motion, drawing on assessments from injecting facilities in Kings Cross and North Richmond. She shared insights from independent reviews indicating no adverse effects on local amenity and highlighted significant reductions in public drug use and overdose incidents near schools adjacent to the North Richmond service.
"Currently, the City of Melbourne holds the unfortunate title of having the highest rate of fatal opioid overdoses in Australia," remarked Councillor Ball. "This fact should weigh heavily on our consciences."
Conversely, some councillors argued that the sentiments of the community and their personal experiences pointed toward a different conclusion. Councillor Rafael Camillo advocated for a clear stance from the council in light of residents' concerns, suggesting that resources should focus solely on rehabilitation and recovery efforts.
Councillor Roshena Campbell, who ultimately supported the motion, indicated that she revisited the Hamilton Report concerning North Richmond’s injecting room and interpreted its conclusions differently. She referred to community safety perceptions and police reports regarding increased drug activity in the vicinity, stating, "It would be irresponsible to disregard these apprehensions," and warned that similar issues could compromise the council’s investments in urban safety and cleanliness.
Lord Mayor Nick Reece spoke against the motion, acknowledging the complexity of the issue but asserting that the evidence clearly favors supervised injecting services as a crucial life-saving measure. "Having visited both Kings Cross and North Richmond," he noted, "I can attest that it's entirely possible to harmonize medical services with enhancements to local amenity. These services are lifesavers."
In his concluding remarks, Councillor Le Liu dismissed accusations that the motion overlooked evidence, arguing that the concerns expressed by residents and business owners in North Richmond had been neglected for far too long. "We are bravely taking a stand," he declared. "This isn't about burying our heads in the sand; it’s about standing firm because we care for our city."
The approval of this motion marks the end of the council's support for a CBD injecting room, even though the Victorian Government had already scrapped plans for such a facility due to site-related challenges. Instead, the government intends to establish a new community health hub at 244 Flinders Street later this year, which will integrate medical care, mental health services, counseling, pharmacy support, and social programs all under one roof.
Additionally, the site will host a pioneering hydromorphone treatment trial, designed to mitigate harm by redirecting individuals away from the illicit drug market and providing evidence-based alternatives for those grappling with chronic addiction.
