Children could be exposed to “Smacky McSmackface, the heroin clown” if safe drug-injecting rooms are legalised, Benambra MP Bill Tilley has warned.
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In an emotive speech to Victorian Parliament this week, Mr Tilley argued against the government’s plan to hold a two-year trial at a injecting room in Richmond.
Former Wodonga resident Judy Ryan played a pivotal role in Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews back-flipping last month on the decision to conduct the safe injecting-room trial.
Opposition MPs were worried the trial would spread and open other legal injecting rooms around the state, including in regional areas. Such a move appears unlikely to occur in Wodonga, after Mr Tilley criticised Geelong MP Christine Couzens for advocating for what he called a “drug den” in her electorate.
“Fast-forward a few years from this bill becoming legislation, and who knows, maybe some bright spark will set up a franchise operation where local addicts can meet with their dealer in the car park before heading inside McSmack’s to minimise the harm they do to themselves,” he said.
“While mummy gets high, the kids can play in the adjacent playroom or watch Smacky McSmackface, the heroin clown, make animals out of the discarded heroin balloons that he has spare and at his disposal.
“Then it is back to the car while mummy drives, while she is affected by drugs, taking the kids home.”
Mr Tilley said there were many flaws in Mr Andrews’ plan, including giving immunity to drug users and sellers behind the doors.
“It is a sad day in Victoria when this Parliament proposes legislation that serves to protect drug dealing,” he said.
“I fear for the career of any member of the police force that arrests and charges a drug addict within 10 miles of a drug injecting room.
“Just imagine the outcry of the social justice set when Harry the heroin addict is banged up by the coppers and his drugs are confiscated whilst supposedly en route to Dan’s drug den.”
Mr Andrews has said the “safety-first, medical approach” was necessary because the number of Victorians losing their lives in heroin overdoses is the highest it has been for 20 years.
“There is no silver bullet here but together, these measures will save lives and keep Victorians safe,” he said.
