Homelessness

Homelessness is an increasing issue in NSW. People are considered homeless when they are without accommodation that is safe, secure, appropriate and affordable. Homelessness can result from a range of many factors including unemployment, poverty, cultural disadvantage, ill health and particularly poor mental health.

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice have developed a Protocol for Homeless People in Public Places.

The Protocol provides a framework for interactions between Council officers, officials of participating NSW Government organisations and homeless people in public places.

Underlying Principles of the Protocol

The protocol is based on the following principles:

Homeless people have the same entitlement as any member of the public to:

Be in public places, at the same time respecting the right of local communities to live in a safe and peaceful environment
Participate in public activities or events
Carry with them and store their own belongings.

The Protocol

A homeless person is not to be approached unless:

They request assistance
They appear to be distressed or in need of assistance
An official seeks to engage with the person for the purpose of information exchange or provision of a service
Their behaviour threatens their safety or the safety and security of people around them
Their behaviour is likely to result in damage to property or have a negative impact on natural and cultural conservation of environment, including cultural heritage, water pollution and fire risks
They are sheltering in circumstances that place their or others’ health and safety at risk (for example, staying in derelict buildings, high risk areas)
They are a child who appears to be under the age of 16
They are a young person who appears to be 16 to 17 years old who may be at risk of significant harm
They are a child or young person who is in the care of the Secretary of the Department of Communities and Justice or the parental responsibility of the Minister for Families and Communities.

Protocol for homeless people in public places | Family & Community Services, 2019