“The passage of this bill through the parliament is wonderful news and a step toward decriminalising poverty in Tasmania.
“Nobody has been charged with the offence of begging since 2018, but this law has been used by police to target those vulnerable in our community who are resorting to begging – as the government itself has admitted. That’s not the way things should work in a compassionate society.
“We are so proud to have achieved this outcome, and we thank members from across the parliament for their support. Our deep gratitude also goes to the many advocates and organisations who have long supported this important change.
“With the decision to decriminalise begging, Tasmania has taken another step towards being a fairer and kinder society. The Greens will continue to fight for change that will make a difference in the lives of Tasmanians who have been let down or who are doing it tough.”
