On Breakfast with Jacinta Parsons and Sami Shah
Despite complaints from some residents living near the safe injecting room in North Richmond, the State Government has decided to expand the centre, effectively doubling the amount of people who can access it.
The centre controversially opened near a primary school last year, with some residents complaining that it attracts antisocial behaviour from drug users.
But former chief executive of the Yarra Drug and Health Forum Greg Denham says the centre has reduced the number of overdose-related ambulance callouts and provided medical supervision for many drug users.
He also says long-term drug users should be prescribed controlled amounts of heroin to further reduce the risks of overdose.
