The department’s revelations have sparked calls for the state government to delay the implementation of the new laws.
Department of Health deputy secretary Katherine Whetton said in evidence before the Yoorrook Justice Commission said the health response would not be correctly established in time for November 7.
“We stand ready as soon as we’ve got those providers on board to really do what it takes to have it in place by November,” she said.
“We’re working incredibly hard to have the very best possible service response in place and working on whatever is needed.”
Trials of the program are being conducted in the City of Yarra, Castlemaine, Dandenong and Shepparton, however have been delayed as sites are not fully operational.
Dandenong are not yet running a comprehensive trial, while the three other locations have only just began running operational trials.
The latest warnings come after Victoria Police raised immediate concerns about the introduction of the program on the state’s booziest day of the year.
Join Broadsheet Editorial Director Katya Wachtel as she chats with some of Melbourne's best culture reporters about the latest in food, drink, art, fashion and more. Subscribe on the LiSTNR app to be the first to hear new episodes as they drop Monday, Wednesday and Friday.