Port Phillip Council considers fining homeless people

A Community Divided: The Debate Over Homelessness in Port Phillip

The issue of homelessness has sparked a heated debate in Port Phillip, with residents, councillors, and advocates expressing sharply differing views on how to address the growing presence of encampments in public spaces. At the heart of the discussion is a proposed motion to make it an offence to sleep or camp on public land, a move that has divided the community. While some residents argue that the encampments are creating unsafe and unsanitary conditions, others passionately believe that criminalizing homelessness is not only unjust but also counterproductive.

Fears for Safety and Sanitation

Elwood resident Angel Lea has been vocal about her concerns, describing the aggressive behaviour and large amounts of waste left behind by some of those living in the encampments. She emphasized that the issue is not about genuine homelessness but about people who have housing yet choose to camp in public spaces. Richard Ludlow from St Kilda echoed these sentiments, arguing that the current approach of outreach and support services has failed to improve safety. He believes the problem lies in a lack of enforcement and a refusal by some individuals to accept help, rather than a shortage of resources or funding.

However, not all residents agree with the proposal to criminalize homelessness. Port Melbourne resident Kath Buden strongly opposes the motion, calling it a "direct assault on the dignity and rights of our most vulnerable citizens." She also raised concerns that the changes could contravene human rights legislation, arguing that Port Phillip has long been a symbol of diversity and acceptance. Buden warned that passing such a motion would betray this legacy and set a dangerous precedent for the rest of the nation.

Council’s Reluctant Decision

Despite the unanimous vote to proceed with the motion, several councillors expressed deep reservations about its potential impact. Mayor Louise Crawford admitted that supporting the proposal made her "sick to the pit of my stomach," but she emphasized the need for the community to feel safe. Councillor Justin Halliday questioned whether the motion was truly addressing the root causes of crime and antisocial behaviour or simply targeting vulnerable people. He argued that the rules would further marginalize those already struggling, piling punishment on those who need help the most. Councillor Libby Buckingham also expressed concerns, stating that fining people for sleeping rough would not improve safety and would instead infringe on their dignity.

Councillor Rod Hardy, who introduced the motion, defended it by stating that it was aimed at those taking advantage of the community’s compassion. He claimed that some individuals in the encampments were involved in illegal activities, threatening staff, and exploiting vulnerable homeless people. Hardy emphasized that council staff would have discretion when enforcing the law, suggesting that it would not target those genuinely in need.

The Housing Crisis: A Deeper Issue

Laura Mahoney from homelessness charity Launch Housing highlighted a critical oversight in the debate: the severe shortage of housing. She explained that many people are forced onto the streets because there are no available beds in crisis accommodation, with 800 people waiting for a bed on any given day. Mahoney argued that instead of punishing those who are homeless, the focus should be on increasing investment in housing to address the root cause of the problem.

The Way Forward

The council has agreed to prepare a report on the proposed changes, including an assessment of whether they breach human rights laws, by May 2025. While the motion has been passed, the broader debate over how to balance public safety with compassion for the homeless continues. The situation in Port Phillip highlights the complexities of addressing homelessness, which requires not only immediate solutions to ensure safety but also long-term investments in housing and support services to create sustainable change. As the community grapples with these challenges, it is clear that the solution must prioritize both the dignity of vulnerable individuals and the well-being of the entire community.