The Victorian government will begin an inquiry into a proposed trial of safe injecting rooms for heroin users in North Richmond.

Premier Daniel Andrews has consistently rejected the trial, despite the Victorian Coronor Jacqui Hawkins supporting the idea which she says could reduce the risk of heroin overdose deaths.

Yesterday, MPs voted for a committee to consider the issue.

The review has been supported by the state government, Australian Sex Party, Greens and independent James Purcell.

The proposed facility trial would be set-up in North Richmond where a large Vietnamese community is based.

It’s been reported that each year, an average of more than 20 people die of heroin overdoses in the area.

Vietnamese businesses on Victoria Street have long opposed the opening of an injection room in Richmond, saying that the rooms would affect their trade.

The Greens will hold a community meeting in Richmond on March 14 to discuss setting up the supervised injecting facility.

– TiVi Tuan-san