Public drunkenness was decriminalised in Victoria last week (19 February) to ensure that people drunk in public places get the health support and other help they need.
Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes said the Summary Offences Amendment (Decriminalisation of Public Drunkenness) Bill 2020 would save lives by ensuring that no one could be locked up in a police cell just for being drunk in public.
“It paves the way for public drunkenness to be treated as a health issue, not a crime,” Ms Symes said.
“These laws have been informed by Aboriginal communities and health experts – who have advocated for this reform for decades – and enable the Government to move to a culturally safe and appropriate model that prioritises the health and safety of individuals who are intoxicated in public, as well as the broader community,” she said.
“This will include more outreach services, training for first responders and new sobering up services – making sure people are transported to a safe place where they can receive support if they need it.”
Ms Symes said the Bill built on three decades of work and activism, including key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, and the Coronial Inquest into the death of Tanya Day.
“Over the next two years, the Government will continue to work closely with Aboriginal communities, health experts and key stakeholders – including Victoria Police – to design, trial and refine the public health model and develop local solutions that are safe and effective,” the Attorney-General said.
“These reforms were developed following extensive consultation to ensure they strike the right balance between protection of people who are intoxicated and community safety,” she said.
Ms Symes said trial site locations for the sobering up services were being considered, in line with advice provided by an Expert Reference Group report.
