NTCOSS Media Release - Proposed By Laws Beggars Belief 22-07-09

The Northern Territory Council of Social Service (NTCOSS) is dismayed by an Alice Springs Town Council proposal to impose fines of $130 on people who are begging.

 “It is difficult to understand what will be achieved by fining people who have to resort to begging in the first place,”  said Central Australian Policy Officer Jonathan Pilbrow today.

 “We must work to address the underlying causes of poverty and disadvantage, rather than further punish those who are already doing it tough.” said Mr Pilbrow. Criminalising social problems is a cop-out.”

The proposed fine system is draconian, discriminatory, and will be difficult to enforce. Even if the Aboriginal people - who will be disproportionately affected by the by-laws – do pay the fine, their income will be further reduced, and they may have to again resort to begging.

NTCOSS does not believe that the Alice Springs Town Council has a mandate for these proposed changes, and we urge the Council to listen to concerns of community groups and individuals.

 “We need approaches which engage with people in a positive manner and which acknowledge all people as valued members of our community.” observed Mr Pilbrow.