In a big win for those who have advocated for reform for many years, today the Greens' bill to decriminalise begging in Tasmania passed its finally parliamentary hurdle and will become law.
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.
This is the Tasmanian parliament’s fourth opportunity to bring our Police Offences Act into the modern age.
On behalf of the Tasmanian Greens, I warmly welcome the passage of our bill to decriminalise begging through the House of Assembly.
The offence of begging has rightfully been decriminalised in the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales and it is beyond time for Tasmania to follow suit.
It is an antiquated offence that has no place in a contemporary, informed and just society.
Next week in Parliament the Greens will again table a Bill to change the law and decriminalise begging
The Greens urge MLCs to vote against the increased police ‘move on’ powers in Section 5 of the government’s Begging Bill.
It is positive to stand in this place and see legislation come before the House that was initiated by community sector leaders.
