Authorised officers in Maribyrnong will be trained in how to appropriately deal with homeless people as part of new local laws endorsed at a council meeting last week.
In amendments to the proposed local laws moved by deputy mayor Bernadette Thomas at the meeting on 21 October, authorised offices will be trained to act in accordance with council’s homelessness protocol when dealing with people who are sleeping rough.
The Maribyrnong Homelessness Protocol provides a framework for how to respond to people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including how to provide them with the necessary information to access housing and support.
The amendment requiring authorised officers to be trained in the protocol comes as they are assisting private security guards in a six month trial aimed at reducing crime and improving public safety in the Footscray CBD.
During public question time at the meeting, members of the Footscray Community Response, an organisation opposed to the security trial, asked councillor’s if they still supported the initiative after claiming to have witnessed disturbing behaviour by some security guards.
All councillor’s replied that they did still support the trial, with Cr Thomas noting that changes had already been made and that anyone witnessing security guards acting inappropriately should contact council.
Cr Susan Yengi said she hadn’t heard of any disturbing behaviour by security guards, but had received a lot of positive feedback from residents and business owners.
Cr Yengi said the amendments requiring homelessness training and centring humans rights come about following “some really robust conversations,” among councillors.
The amendments and entire Community Local Law 2025 were eventually passed unanimously.
Community consultation on the new local laws began in March, with the public showing strong support for stricter land use controls, enhanced heritage protections, and new smoke-free areas, while opposing a reduction in the number of registered cats and dogs allowed on a property.
“We appreciate the community taking the time to be part of this vital engagement process and shared your thoughts on what local laws should look like for the next ten years,” Maribyrnong mayor Pradeep Tiwari said in thanking those who contributed.
The new local laws take effect on 17 November.
