New laws to decriminalise public intoxication have been introduced to Victorian parliament on Tuesday.
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The state government says the provisions of the bill will come into effect in two years, to allow for the development, trial and implementation of a health-based response to public drunkenness.
The government committed to abolishing the offence of public drunkenness ahead of an inquest into the death of Yorta Yorta woman Tanya Day.
Ms Day, a 55-year-old Echuca resident, died from injuries sustained in a Castlemaine police cell after she was taken off a train in December 2017.
Coroner Caitlin English recommended the public drunkenness offence be repealed.
It was also a key recommendation of the 1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
