Four Catholic agencies call for ‘Move-On’ bill rejection

A joint submission on the Summary Offences (Move-on Orders) Amendment Bill was lodged by Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, Catholic Social Services Wellington, Catholic Social Services Auckland and the Society of St Vincent de Paul.

The submission stated that the proposed legislation risks criminalising homelessness rather than addressing its root causes.

The committee is now considering public feedback, and the written statement will inform an oral submission to be lodged later in the month. The legislation had its first reading in May, with the committee due to report back to Parliament by September.

The proposed Bill would give Police the power to issue so-called “move-on” orders to people aged 14 and above for conduct that includes begging, rough sleeping and behaviour “deemed disorderly or disruptive”. People who fail to comply could face fines of up to $2000 or up to three months in prison.

In their submission, the four Catholic organisations said the proposal risks punishing some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable people while doing little to address the causes of homelessness, poverty, mental distress and addiction.

The submission argued that moving people on from public spaces does not solve underlying problems and may instead disconnect these people from essential support services such as churches, healthcare providers, food assistance and community agencies.

The submission also raised concerns about the impact on young people experiencing homelessness, family breakdown or poverty, saying move-on orders could further exclude them from safe public spaces and support networks.

The organisations contended that existing laws already give authorities sufficient powers to respond to disorderly behaviour, trespass issues and breaches of the peace. The Bill’s practical effect would be to target people whose only “offence” is begging or having nowhere else to sleep, the submission added.

While welcoming the Government’s recent $14.5 million investment in homelessness support, the organisations said long-term solutions require sustained investment in housing, mental health, addiction services, income support and community-based assistance – rather than punitive measures.

FULL STORY

Catholic agencies urge select committee to reject move-on bill (Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand)

Four Catholic agencies’ submission on Move-On orders bill (Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand)

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