« Credo Cricket 2005 | Main | Online Forum »

Begging in the City

March 02, 2005

The issue of begging in the CBD has hit the media again over the past few weeks. The public debate on begging often raises emotive arguments and common myths. Being approached by someone on the streets for money can be confronting. Whatever our response to the person before us, we are challenged to think about the deeper issues and reflect on why people are begging. Many people believe that someone who is begging should simply get a job. Others believe that asking for money for drugs or alcohol is somehow immoral and therefore should not be encouraged. Other people may simply be affronted that someone has the audacity to ask for money!

At Urban Seed we know people engage in begging when they do not have the money to meet their needs, which can include the need to use drugs or alcohol. Begging may actually be a way of avoiding criminal activity, such as petty theft, or a viable alternative to work for the dole! (Centrelink payments often do not even cover the basics such as food and housing). Whatever the motivation for begging, it is usually a last resort that leaves the person begging feeling further demoralised and demeaned.

While there are no easy answers to why people beg and what they might do instead, we need to remember to act with compassion. Recognising that genuine need exists and that begging is simply a way of keeping going when times are tough, will help us all respond with compassion rather than judgement.

In the lead up to the Commonwealth Games in March 2006, begging, along with other city policing and public space management issues, will continue to be on the agenda for many in the CBD. Urban Seed will be continuing to work with our neighbours to address these issues.

Sue Hogan

Posted by chris at March 2, 2005 04:39 PM