StreetCare, our advisory group of people with lived experience of homelessness, have influenced the outcome of a NSW parliamentary inquiry into public toilets.
The Inquiry’s report made recommendations on public toilet design, provision and access. It referred repeatedly to evidence given by StreetCare members Rocky Kalnins, Anthony Pierce and David Streatfield at Inquiry hearings, who emphasised that public toilets are essential for public health and safety, especially for people without a home.
As Rocky told the Inquiry: ‘one of the most pervasive forms of gender discrimination experienced daily by girls and women is inadequate access to safe, private public toilets,’
The Inquiry reflected StreetCare’s evidence, finding poor public toilet provision and design ‘can significantly and disproportionately affect’ people experiencing homelessness. It recommended ‘the NSW Government take steps to ensure that people experiencing homelessness are not discriminated against in relation to their access to and use of public toilets’.
Significantly, the report also recommended that new public toilets use a modern ‘single-use’ cubicle design, including hand-washing facilities. This closely followed suggestions made by StreetCare members.
‘I’ve found those ones, the single ones, are a lot safer than using the other older style ones.’ David said at the hearing.
StreetCare members gave extensive evidence about how policing and move-on orders can prevent people sleeping rough from accessing public toilets. And how people experiencing homelessness can be criminalised because of a lack of access.
The Inquiry recognised these concerns by recommending NSW Police undergo mandatory and on-going training to ensure they protect and support the rights of people experiencing homelessness and their access to public toilets.
With StreetCare, we welcome the report’s recommendations and look forward to working further with members of NSW Parliament on improving the state’s public toilets.
StreetCare influences public toilet inquiry report
StreetCare, our advisory group of people with lived experience of homelessness, have influenced the outcome of a NSW parliamentary inquiry into public toilets.
The Inquiry’s report made recommendations on public toilet design, provision and access. It referred repeatedly to evidence given by StreetCare members Rocky Kalnins, Anthony Pierce and David Streatfield at Inquiry hearings, who emphasised that public toilets are essential for public health and safety, especially for people without a home.
As Rocky told the Inquiry: ‘one of the most pervasive forms of gender discrimination experienced daily by girls and women is inadequate access to safe, private public toilets,’
The Inquiry reflected StreetCare’s evidence, finding poor public toilet provision and design ‘can significantly and disproportionately affect’ people experiencing homelessness. It recommended ‘the NSW Government take steps to ensure that people experiencing homelessness are not discriminated against in relation to their access to and use of public toilets’.
Significantly, the report also recommended that new public toilets use a modern ‘single-use’ cubicle design, including hand-washing facilities. This closely followed suggestions made by StreetCare members.
‘I’ve found those ones, the single ones, are a lot safer than using the other older style ones.’ David said at the hearing.
StreetCare members gave extensive evidence about how policing and move-on orders can prevent people sleeping rough from accessing public toilets. And how people experiencing homelessness can be criminalised because of a lack of access.
The Inquiry recognised these concerns by recommending NSW Police undergo mandatory and on-going training to ensure they protect and support the rights of people experiencing homelessness and their access to public toilets.
With StreetCare, we welcome the report’s recommendations and look forward to working further with members of NSW Parliament on improving the state’s public toilets.
Wins
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