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 Medicine Advisor since October 2024, strengthening leadership and coordination to help reduce alcohol and other drug harms across the state.
Additionally, an Alcohol and Other Drugs Ministerial Advisory Committee (AOD-MAC) has been established to strengthen advice, drive innovation, and support delivery of priority AOD reform initiatives.
The Committee will provide strategic guidance and expert advice to the Minister for Mental Health and across government to inform decision-making.
The AOD-MAC will support the delivery of priority commitments, including implementation of the Victorian Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy 2025-35.
The Committee’s work will strengthen transparency, accountability, and confidence in Victoria’s approach to reducing AOD-related harms.
Additional services
Work is currently underway to deliver additional services, including:
Naloxone dispensing machines
We are trialling 20 Naloxone dispensing machines across the state. These machines provide free, 24/7 access to naloxone for anyone at risk of experiencing or witnessing an overdose.
To learn more about the machine locations and free naloxone visit the Free naloxone page on Better Health Channel.
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 (Hub) at 244 Flinders Street will support Victorians experiencing complex health and social challenges, including substance use, who face barriers in accessing mainstream services.
Operated by cohealth, the Hub will connect people in Melbourne’s CBD to health care and practical help when it opens by the end of 2026. Dedicated professionals will provide care coordination, drop-in access, alcohol and other drug services, counselling and outreach.
The Hub brings existing and new services together in one location. This means people can get help earlier and more easily, reducing harm and improving safety and wellbeing in Melbourne’s CBD.
Evidence shows that health-based services like the Hub can reduce drug harms by connecting people with the right treatment and support.
If you have a question about the Hub, please email harmreduction@health.vic.gov.au
For more information, visit Statewide Action Plan Save Lives and Reduce Drug Harm.
Updated