Summary Offences (Declared Public Precincts) Amendment Bill

“YACSA recognises the importance of public space to young people and supports their right to free and unhindered access to public spaces regardless of their backgrounds, economic status and age. However, we remain concerned that young people's right to lawfully use public space, as well as privately owned spaces such as suburban shopping complexes and the city centre, is under threat.”

“The use of public space by young people is the subject of almost perpetual debate. With active citizenship and the use of public space being increasingly linked to consumption and financial participation, young people are being progressively excluded from public and commercial spaces and are subjected to increased surveillance, regulation and stigmatisation.”