Empty beds languish at new sobering up centres

Victoria: So, it turns out that the new sobering up centres in Victoria are hardly being used. Can you believe it? They can handle over 26 people at a time, but on average, only about three folks are treated each night.

Opposition leader Brad Battin is not happy about this. He’s calling it a sign that the system is failing. But the government is saying, “Hey, this means our outreach programs are working!” It’s a bit of a back-and-forth, you know?

From November 2023 to October 2024, there were only 1,040 stays across the centres in Collingwood and St Kilda. That’s just 2.9 people per night! Meanwhile, outreach teams helped around 280 people during the last New Year celebrations.

In November 2023, Victoria decriminalized public drunkenness and put $88.3 million into these health-based responses. This change came after a tragic incident involving a woman named Tanya Day, who died after being arrested for public drunkenness.

There was also a sad case in June 2024 when a man was hit by a car after being turned away from a sobering up centre. It’s a tough situation, and the government is trying to balance safety and support.

Brad Battin is pushing for more police powers to help vulnerable people on the streets. He believes the current system isn’t doing enough. On the flip side, government minister Steve Dimopoulos argues that fewer people using the centres means the outreach is actually working.

It’s a complicated issue, and both sides have their points. But at the end of the day, the goal is to keep people safe and prevent tragedies.