My question is to the Attorney-General, and I ask: what steps are being taken to ensure the crime of public drunkenness is abolished?
As you are aware, the issue of public drunkenness was raised over 30 years ago as part of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, with a recommendation to repeal the offence. In August last year the Andrews government committed to decriminalising public drunkenness and replacing it with a health-based response.
Attorney-General, I know you have been working hard towards this end. My community in Northcote is eager to know of progress towards this important reform. We have seen the devastating consequences of this offence in the death of Aunty Tanya Day. As many know, she died after being removed from a train and taken into police custody. Imagine how that series of events could have unfolded differently if a health-based response was put front and centre.
We know Aboriginal people are over-represented in the justice system. We know that this reform is needed. I look forward to seeing this Labor government deliver it.
