Victoria decriminalises begging in parliamentary vote

The Victorian Parliament has voted to decriminalise begging, a move intended to shift the focus from criminalising poverty toward recognizing human dignity. This decision brings Victoria in line with other Australian jurisdictions, including New South Wales, Western Australia, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory.

Catholic Social Services Victoria (CSSV) has welcomed the decision, stating that the repeal of the offence sends a signal that poverty is not a crime. CSSV executive director Joshua Lourensz noted that the appropriate response to begging should involve connection to housing and support services rather than punishment.

However, the legislative change has also drawn criticism from those who suggest the move may be motivated by fiscal interests. Some commentators argue the decriminalisation could be a precursor to regulating and taxing the informal economy associated with begging to assist the state budget.