Compassion and safety at heart of council debate over rough sleeping in Port Phillip

Jon Fleetwood & Sean Car

The City of Port Phillip has launched a community consultation process on proposed safety measures across the municipality, prompting both support and concern from service providers and faith leaders over the handling of homelessness in public spaces.

The consultation, which runs until June 29, will inform the council’s new Community Safety Plan and includes a potential amendment to Local Laws that would allow the designation of temporary “no camping” areas in response to safety or amenity concerns.

While the council has stressed this measure would only be used as a last resort—when offers of housing or support are refused – the proposal has drawn a strong response from local social service and housing organisations, who have urged a more compassionate approach.

Mayor Louise Crawford said the council had made no decisions beyond seeking community views. “The majority of councillors felt this potential option should go to consultation to give our community the opportunity to comment,” she said. “We will carefully consider their views as part of the assessment of whether we should progress further – or not.”

Cr Crawford added that the council was committed to delivering safety “for everyone” while acknowledging the sensitivity of addressing rough sleeping. “It is important to find a way forward that is both effective and compassionate.”

The debate comes in the context of increasing homelessness across Melbourne, with low rental vacancies and surging rents contributing to a growing number of rough sleepers. According to recent figures, more than 55,000 people are on the state’s social housing waiting list.

At the centre of the criticism are concerns about criminalising homelessness. A previous council motion in February sparked outrage after it suggested investigating fines for people camping in public spaces. That option has since been shelved, but it has left a lingering distrust among some community members.

The Catholic Social Services Victoria (CSSV), St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, Sacred Heart Mission, and local faith leaders – including Fr John Petrulis, a parish priest in the City of Port Phillip – have all spoken out against punitive measures.

“To fine someone for staying alive and trying to live is a grave injustice,” wrote the Good Shepherd Sisters in a letter to the council. “Human rights are important whether one is rich or poor.”

Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald AM, CEO of the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, said genuine safety must include everyone. “The way to build safety is not through exclusion zones or fines. It’s through compassion, housing, and care. No one should be punished for being homeless.”

The council’s proposal comes partly in response to a request from Victoria Police and follows a March Community Safety Roundtable chaired by former Chief Magistrate Ian Gray AM. The roundtable brought together about 20 representatives from health, housing and policing organisations to develop collaborative safety responses.

A unanimous recommendation from the roundtable rejected punitive approaches and called instead for strengthened partnerships and protocols with police and service providers.

Hang Vo, CEO of Sacred Heart Mission, said, “Understanding, kindness and support are the best answers, not punitive fines and moving people on.”

As part of the May council meeting, councillors endorsed a strategy of developing those partnerships and protocols, as well as trialling a coordinated response model with police and social support agencies.

However, the possibility of declaring some areas as off-limits for camping remains controversial, even with the proposed exemption for people who accept support.

Catholic leaders have called on their communities to contribute to the consultation process and uphold the dignity of those experiencing homelessness. They are encouraging residents to contact the council, host discussions in their churches and schools, and look for ways to support social housing and connection.

“This communal response is vital,” Fr Petrulis said. “From a faith perspective, the Good Samaritan story calls us to offer healing care and not a punitive spirit.”

Feedback gathered by the council will inform a draft Community Safety Plan to be considered by councillors in September. A second round of consultation is expected in October, with a final plan due by December 2025.

For more information or to participate, visit: haveyoursay.portphillip.vic.gov.au/feel-safe-be-safe