The Statewide Action Plan is a $95.1 million investment by the Victorian Government in a health-led approach to save lives, reduce drug harms in the CBD, suburbs and regions, and give more people the care they need.
The plan is already delivering a number of services to help people with multiple and complex needs, including:
Expanding access to pharmacotherapy
An $8.4 million grants program for 15 community health services is addressing high-demand pharmacotherapy service gaps across metro and regional Victoria.
The pharmacotherapy grants commenced in March 2025 and will allow up to 1,500 more Victorians to access life-changing treatment.
Access to pharmacotherapy will also be boosted by a Victorian-first hydromorphone implementation trial for select participants who have not found success with other treatment options.
Bourke street clinic
The plan invests $2.9 million to expand specialist services in the CBD at the Bourke Street Clinic, including health and mental health care and navigation to other social.
The clinic opened its doors in May 2025 and is already making a difference providing support to vulnerable people in the CBD, including people experiencing homelessness and people who use drugs.
Expanded street outreach services
The plan has boosted cohealth street teams in the CBD to increase coverage on weekends, and expanding outreach to Footscray and St Kilda.
More leadership and strategic planning
The plan also includes the appointment of Dr Paul MacCartney as Chief Addiction since October 2024, strengthening leadership and coordination to help reduce alcohol and other drug harms across the state.
Additionally, work is underway to deliver a long-term strategy to address alcohol and other drug harms in Victoria. An Alcohol and Other Drugs Ministerial Advisory Committee will also be established to strengthen advice, drive reform and innovation, and support delivery of priority harm reduction initiatives.
Work is currently underway to deliver additional services, including:
Naloxone dispensing machines
We are trialling 20 Naloxone dispensing machines across the state to provide free, 24/7 access to naloxone for anyone at risk of experiencing or witnessing an overdose.
Overdose Prevention and Response phoneline
An Australian first phoneline trial, which will offer anonymous care and advice to individuals at risk of overdose. This lived-experience-led initiative aims to reduce overdose risk and assist emergency services to respond faster if needed.
Community Health Hub
In partnership with cohealth, a new Community Health Hub at 244 Flinders St will support Victorians experiencing complex health and social challenges, particularly those who have faced longstanding barriers in accessing mainstream services.
When it opens in 2026, the Hub will be a gateway to services and supports across the CBD, with dedicated teams offering compassionate care and essential services for anyone who walks through its doors.
For more information, visit Statewide Action Plan Save Lives and Reduce Drug
Reviewed 22 October 2025