Independent candidate Anthony Koutoufides has called for the relocation of North Richmond’s safe injecting room, telling a rally of over 100 residents and business owners on Sunday that the facility has failed the local community.
“North Richmond is in crisis,” Koutoufides told the crowd gathered at North Richmond Station.
“Families and children are witnessing flagrant drug use and aggressive behaviour on a daily basis.”
According to Herald Sun, he criticised the state government’s handling of the issue, blaming both Labor and the Greens for inaction.
“The current location of the injecting room has failed, it must be moved to a more appropriate site where help can still be provided.”
The protest followed a Yarra Council survey showing nearly half of residents feel unsafe at night, amid a rise in crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.
Demonstrators marched along Victoria Street chanting “injecting room, out, out, out,” holding placards with slogans like “noodles not needles.”
Koutoufides joined other political figures including Liberal leader Brad Battin and Independent Tim Smith in condemning the state’s approach to public safety. Battin warned that crime was “out of control” and linked the issue to business closures and the need for bail reform.
A counter-rally later took place in support of the injecting room, with advocates highlighting its role in saving lives. Legalise Cannabis Party Senate candidate Fiona Patten urged investment in such healthcare services.
The rallies come amid public concern about rising crime in Richmond, with the Yarra Council area recording nearly 12,500 criminal incidents in 2024—the highest since 2015.
Source: Herald Sun.
