A majority of Australians now support supervised injecting facilities, according to new research.

A study has found that opposition to such facilities has steadily declined over 20 years, suggesting growing acceptance of harm reduction strategies amid a rise in overdose deaths across parts of Australia.

Supervised injecting facilities, which allow individuals to use pre-obtained drugs under the supervision of trained professionals, are increasingly seen as a vital service in reducing harm from injecting drug use.

These facilities aim to mitigate overdose deaths and reduce the spread of infectious diseases. 

Australia currently operates two such centres, located in Sydney and Melbourne. At these centres, users receive clean injecting equipment, harm reduction advice, and referrals to health and social services. 

The facilities also provide critical intervention during overdose emergencies.

“Growing evidence from Australia, Canada, and Europe has demonstrated that supervised injecting facilities reduce some of the risks associated with injecting drug use and help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, while also providing significant benefits to the communities where these services are located,” says Zachary Lloyd, a research assistant at the Burnet Institute and lead author of the study.

Despite the positive evidence, the expansion of such facilities has faced resistance. 

Public stigma around drug use has been a significant barrier, with proposals for new sites rejected in states like New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia.

Lloyd noted that public opinion could influence government decisions on expanding these services. 

“Evidence shows governments are more likely to pursue policy options when they perceive public opinion as supportive,” he said. 

“Our study is the first to explore data on Australians who are ambivalent or unsure about supervised injecting facilities.”

The research suggests that better communication of the benefits of these services could shift the views of undecided Australians, potentially building broader public support. 

Lloyd said it is important to address stigma to foster understanding and acceptance of these facilities.

The full study is accessible here.

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