Homelessness

Homeless people in our town centres are part of our community. Council and other agencies work together to assist those experiencing homelessness in ways that are valued by the homeless who have unique life circumstances.

The New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) is signatory to the Protocol for Homeless People in Public Places which has been in placed since 2002. The protocol recognises the right of all people to be in public space, while respecting the need for safe and peaceful communities.

The Protocol aims to ensure that homeless people are treated respectfully, as well as assisting them to access services. The Protocol states that a homeless person in a public place is not to be approached unless:

• The person requires assistance
• The person appears to be distressed or in need of assistance
• The person’s behaviour threatens their safety or the safety and security of people around them
• The person’s behaviour is likely to result, or has resulted in, damage to property, or negatively impacts the conservation of nature or objects, places or features of cultural value including Aboriginal heritage
• The person is sheltering in areas that may place their or other’s health or safety at risk
• The person is a child or young person (with or without an adult) who appears to be under 18 years and at risk of harm or under 16 years experiencing homelessness
• The person is a child or young person up to the age of 18 experiencing homelessness who is known to be a child in care
• A staff/worker is seeking to engage with the person for the purpose of sharing information.

The Protocol does not prevent NSWPF from taking appropriate action where health or safety is at risk, or a breach of the peace or unlawful behaviour has occurred.