Melbourne's CBD trials a new anti-begging strategy to halt recent 'aggressive beggars'
MAP: Melbourne, 3000
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Lord Major Robert Doyle is trialing a new anti-begging strategy targeted at the homeless of Melbourne’s CBD.
The Victoria Police, the Salvation Army and City Council, are working together in assisting beggars off the street and into the care they need.
NEED FOR THE STRATEGY?
It’s a recent trend of particularly hostile beggars throughout Melbourne’s streets has sparked public outcry for authorities to tackle the problem.
Spokesman for the Salvation Army, D. Bruce Redman, said there’s a difference between those “truly in need” and calculated “professional beggars”.
Examples of aggressive begging:
- A woman dragged by her hair down Exhibition St, for giving out coins instead of notes
- Diners in Southbank having disgruntled beggars spit in their food
- Demaning specific donations like notes instead of change
- Abusing pedestrians with vulgar language for not donating
- Accusing pedestrians of lying and hiding their money
“There’s two elements to this issue”, said Commanding Officer of the Salvation Army, Brendan Nottle, “we’re trying to catch those who turn begging into aggressive robbery, and putting every possible source of help around those who need it”.
Brendan Nottle has been an active voice of the Salvation Army in support for anti-begging strategy, and said begging was one of the most “humiliating acts” and his aim was to help those who are forced to engage with it.
We’re trying to catch those who turn begging into aggressive robbery
– Brendan Nottle, Salvation Army Commander
WHAT IS THE STRATEGY?
The strategy involves officers issuing beggars with a warrant, and explaining that they have a 48-hour window to present it to any Salvation Army home.
If this is done, any homeless beggar will be provided with first-aid, accommodation, mental and physical health checks and even a pathway to employment.
If a beggar fails to present himself to the SA, he/she will receive a fine and be required in court.
Melbourne’s begging situation is out of control, and it really disturbs me
– Bruce Redman, SA spokesman
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Yet controversy has surrounded the trial-strategy, as it’s effect on the homeless could be for the worse.
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Certain comments like Robert Doyle’s below regarding the plan have caused public backlash, with certain homeless people speaking out against the plan.
Never give beggars money
– Robert Doyle, Lord Mayor
People have cried out for the strategy to be rejected, as it will affect beggars who never aggressively confront pedestrians.
One homeless man responded to Robert Doyle’s comment, saying “Try living a day in my shoes”.
“People in Melbourne are very generous people, and so they feel sorry for beggars” said Dr Bruce Redman, “It’s a self-perpetuating cycle”.
Begging is illegal under the Summary Offences Act, and Melbourne’s City Council detail what to do when faced with beggars.
