Page 445 - Week 02 - Thursday, 22 February 1990
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The committee did not consider serious crime although, of course, it does recognise its existence, nor did it consider the growing problem of graffiti. As Mr Wood has already mentioned the report focuses on particular events; the Australia Day celebration, the Canberra Festival's Food and Wine Frolic and the Street Car Nationals. I will talk more about these later. The report also concentrates on particular locations such as shopping centres, bus interchanges and the like. They were either identified in its terms of reference, in submissions or in evidence to it where public behaviour has either appeared to be a potential or a current problem.
One of the most unusual features about this inquiry was that there were differing views as to what constituted tolerable or intolerable public behaviour. I think it is important to say that VOCAL - victims of crime assistance league - were the most critical of public behaviour in the ACT, and understandably so. Only last year I was fortunate enough to attend one of their meetings and I would suggest that perhaps everyone should try to attend a meeting and meet many of the members. I am sure that their views would move someone on their understanding of acceptable public behaviour. These people are now responsible for picking up the pieces after the tragedies that their members have experienced.
I agree with the report that it is important to the community that people feel safe walking in streets, they should be able to feel comfortable on a street, and that we should not try to get people off the streets. Also, protection from crimes of vandalism and theft comes from the knowledge that people regularly go out onto the street. An empty street is indeed most vulnerable.
A number of locations where antisocial behaviour took place were identified to the committee, including shopping centres, bus interchanges, areas used for public entertainment and clubs and taverns.
The ACT Council on the Ageing told the committee that older people often feel extremely vulnerable because they have poor vision or lack of hearing, and exhibit fears of falling or being knocked to the ground. I guess that is very understandable when you consider young people on bikes and skateboards whizzing by them. Common courtesy and consideration, not just for our elderly but for all, are sadly lacking in our society today. I am sure if these basic principles were followed many behavioural problems or perceived problems would immediately disappear.
Many argued in submissions to the committee that public behaviour was not a problem and where there was a problem this occurred as a result of alcohol abuse. The committee was reminded that alcohol consumption and drunkenness were not illegal nor necessarily a public nuisance. However the potential for antisocial public behaviour increased with the level of alcohol consumed. I know the AFP could supply
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