Tuesday, 31 October 2023

Decriminalisation of public drunkenness

Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:26): (324) My question is to the Minister for Mental Health. I was out in the community in Collingwood yesterday in my electorate, and locals told me that last week the community who live in close proximity to the sobering-up centre were to have a meeting with Cohealth but Cohealth cancelled at the last minute, saying no-one had RSVP’d, but there was actually no RSVP requirement and the community were extremely disappointed that they could not have an opportunity to meet with Cohealth. The community wrote to you last week requesting an intervention and an urgent meeting with Cohealth, given the centre was to begin operating next week. What action have you taken to ensure this meeting occurs?

Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:27): I thank Mr Mulholland for his question, and I can confirm that I have had correspondence from one resident in Collingwood who lives close to the facility. I can advise the house that I have responded in writing to that correspondent, and I have indicated that Cohealth and my department are available to meet with residents to go through some of the very operational questions that were contained in the correspondence that I received. I think it is important that that offer is accepted and my department and Cohealth stand ready to provide that briefing.

Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:28): Minister, given the sobering-up centre was to begin operation in seven days and the community have had no to little consultation, can you confirm when this meeting will occur?

Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:28): I think my answer to the original question from Mr Mulholland actually addressed that. If he would like to provide me with any additional information, I would be happy to receive it. But the offer stands. I have written back to the resident in Collingwood who contacted me and indicated that the Department of Health and the provider Cohealth are available. Let us get it happening.