The City of Melbourne recognises that some people are faced with a dilemma if asked for money by people who beg.
The reasons are complex. They include:
- those who may be ineligible or waiting to receive income assistance or welfare payments
- people wanting to supplement their income assistance or welfare payments
- sufferers of a mental illness who cannot find an available hospital bed
- people supporting drug or gambling habits
What you can do
Begging is illegal under the Summary Offences Act and enforcement is the responsibility of the police.
If a person who is begging is acting aggressively - for example, is intoxicated, intimidating, violent or placing people at risk - you can report the matter to the police by phoning 000.
If a person is begging in a passive, non-threatening and non-violent manner and you want to help connect them with appropriate services, the City of Melbourne produces a free booklet called Helping Out.
The booklet has a comprehensive list of free and cheap services including food, accommodation, health services, drug and alcohol services and legal advice from more than 70 organisations throughout the City of Melbourne.
The Helping Out booklet is available to download from the Community information directory.