A Liberal National party MP on the Gold Coast is advocating for the revival of vagrancy laws, aiming to empower police to prosecute individuals experiencing homelessness. This demand is part of a broader crackdown on tent cities in Queensland. Ray Stevens, representing the area of Mermaid Beach, highlighted concerns over the presence of homeless encampments in highly sought-after coastal locations. He pointed out that residents have been voicing concerns about these encampments, but current laws restrict the ability of police to intervene unless there is a public disturbance. Stevens argues that legislative change is necessary to address the issue of unauthorized camping. He emphasizes that the goal is to find a solution that includes equipping law enforcement with the means to enforce the removal of such encampments.
The proposal has sparked debate, with critics like University of Queensland law professor Tamara Walsh arguing that homelessness is primarily a social welfare issue rather than a law enforcement problem. Walsh suggests that criminalizing homelessness is not an effective solution and could be costly for the taxpayer. Others, including Paul Slater from the North West Community Group, condemn the idea, labeling it a shameful approach to dealing with homelessness.
The Queensland government is also considering the reinstatement of laws against public drunkenness, a move that contradicts recommendations from the 1991 royal commission into Aboriginal deaths in custody. Stevens justifies his stance, pointing to reports of disruptive behavior among some homeless individuals, and calls for the identification of suitable housing solutions for those in need. The tension around homelessness policies is further highlighted by the timing of a tent city removal in the Gold Coast, which coincided with the National Homelessness Conference being held nearby.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jun/22/queensland-mp-calls-for-return-of-vagrancy-laws-to-allow-police-to-prosecute-homeless-people
