How have daily newspapers constructed the introduction of the Medically Supervised Injecting Room in Victoria, Australia?

A comparison of opinion pieces within The Age and Herald Sun 2017-24

Abstract

This paper aims to compare the perspectives presented via opinion pieces published in the two daily Melbourne newspapers, the Herald Sun and The Age regarding the Medically Supervised Injecting Room (MSIR) in Victoria from November 2017 until March 2024. A content analysis methodology based on the Bacchi WPR framework was used to explore the nature and content of the views expressed in opinion pieces by the Herald Sun (N=35) and The Age (N=11). Both papers presented a diverse range of perspectives. However, The Age opinion pieces were more likely to present a pro-MSIR viewpoint, and the Herald Sun opinion pieces were more likely to be critical of the MSIR. Those authors supportive of an MSIR were more likely to be compassionate to People who inject drugs (PIDs), and to attempt to reconcile the health care needs of PIDs and the concerns of local residents. Critics of the MSIR, however, prioritized the rights of local residents and businesses ahead of the needs of PIDs. This is the first Australian study to specifically compare the opinion pieces published in two competing daily newspapers regarding an MSIR.