The Justice and Equity Centre is a leading independent law and policy centre. We help build a fairer, stronger society by tackling injustice and inequality.
We are a Deductible Gift Recipient. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Gadigal Country
Level 5, 175 Liverpool Street
Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
P +61 2 8898 6500
F +61 2 8898 6555
© 2024 The Justice and Equity Centre
ABN 77 002 773 524 | ACN 002 773 524
Site by Marlin Communications | This website uses Google reCAPTCHA
Improving accountability around the treatment of homeless people in public
Appearing before a Parliamentary committee this month, PIAC’s Homeless Persons Legal Service and consumer StreetCare committee have called for amendments to the Protocol for Homeless People in Public Spaces (the Protocol) to ensure that it effectively upholds the principles it seeks to promote and that signatories are accountable.
The Protocol was introduced by the NSW Government in 2012 to ensure that homeless people are treated respectfully and appropriately and are not discriminated against on the basis of their homeless status. StreetCare, PIAC’s consumer committee on homelessness, played a key role in the drafting the Protocol.
In our submission to the current review, StreetCare members express support for the Protocol, but stress the need for accountability mechanisms, such as mandatory reporting requirements for all signatories. Our submission also calls for signatories to develop frameworks which demonstrate their commitment and integration of The Protocol into their organisation structure, including the provision of trauma-informed training for all staff.
Read our submission or opening statement to the Parliamentary committee by StreetCare member Rebecca Warfield.
Wins
ABC News: Qantas agrees to change assistance dog processes after being sued for disability discrimination
Equality Bill ‘an important step, but not the end of the journey’
Lawyers Weekly: New laws ensure ‘courts aren’t just the realm of a wealthy few’
Keep up to date with our work
Subscribe for updates including media coverage, event invitations and progress stories. You will hear from us about twice a month.