Question details

I thank the Member for Morwell for his question regarding Public Intoxication Reform (PIR) service in the Latrobe Valley.

As part of our health-led response to public intoxication, the Allan Labor Government has established two dedicated Sobering Centres in metropolitan Melbourne. Sobering Centres are permanently staffed places for people who are intoxicated in public and have nowhere else to go. In regional Victorian locations, where demand is lower and more sporadic, the service model includes the progressive establishment of on­demand Places of Safety to complement outreach services.

Both Sobering Centres and Places of Safety are designed as an option of last resort for people who are intoxicated in public and have nowhere else to go. Unlike Sobering Centres, Places of Safety are not permanently staffed, but are available on an as need basis in the event that someone who is intoxicated in public has nowhere else to go and needs a safe place to recover. In these circumstances, the person will be cared for by an outreach worker for the duration of their stay.

The overwhelming majority of people supported by public intoxication services around Victoria are provided basic care by outreach workers such as the provision of water and hot drinks or support to return home safely without the need to be transported to a Sobering Centre or Place of Safety.

The PIR outreach service in Latrobe is operational with a Place of Safety to complement the outreach service under establishment. The public intoxication response service in the Latrobe Valley is operated by an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation and prioritises the Aboriginal community in line with the service model announced by the Victorian Government.

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Ingrid Stitt MP

Minister for Mental Health

Minister for Ageing

Minister for Multicultural Affairs