Public drunkenness is soon to be decriminalised in Victoria, but stakeholders say they are still waiting for clarity

Public drunkenness has been decriminalised in Victoria, but unions and indigenous groups say the reform could have unforeseen consequences. (Flickr: Seb Ruiz)

Key unions and Aboriginal legal advocates fear tragic outcomes after the decriminalisation of public drunkenness, amid confusion over aspects of the new health-led response which is due to be rolled out in just five months.

Two unions are speaking out about gaps they see in Victoria's plans to deal with people who are drunk in public.