Rachel introduced the Summary Offences Amendment (Begging) Bill 2025. If passed, this bill would bring Victoria in line with NSW, WA and ACT in decriminalising begging. Currently in Victoria, begging is a criminal offence, carrying a maximum 12-month prison sentence, and hefty fines.
Wednesday the 29th of October 2025,
Victorian Legislative Council
Rachel Payne (South-Eastern Metropolitan):
I introduce a bill for an act to amend the Summary Offences Act 1966 to repeal an offence in relation to begging and for other purposes, and I move:
That the bill be now read a first time.
Motion agreed to.
Read first time.
I move:
That the second reading be made an order of the day for the next day of meeting.
Motion agreed to.
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