Homelessness activists defend campaign to trash Melbourne streets

HOMELESSNESS activists have defended a campaign to trash Melbourne’s streets with rubbish, claiming it is a legitimate form of protest.

HOMELESSNESS activists have defended a campaign to trash Melbourne’s streets with rubbish, claiming it is a legitimate form of protest.

Secret documents compiled by the Homeless Persons Union revealed an orchestrated campaign to stalk Lord Mayor Robert Doyle and councillors and disrupt the city.

One direct action policy involved “creating rubbish everywhere” in response to a new council by-law directed at rough sleepers.

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Homeless Persons Union spokesman “Spike” defended the group’s actions to litter the streets.

“I think this whole issue about cleaning up the city is just a red herring,” he said.

“If there was a real commitment to housing people we wouldn’t have people sleeping rough.

“One of the smokescreens for moving on people and trying to criminalise homelessness is apparently there’s too much mess left around.

“I would envisage creating a pile of discarded goods to show this is what we’re discussing when violating people’s human rights.

Protests were held outside Robert Doyle’s home at 11pm on Saturday. Picture: Supplied

Mr Doyle said the group were professional protesters. Picture: Supplied

“We wouldn’t be walking around just strewing rubbish around”.

Cr Doyle said he had spoken to police about upgrading his security after a public demonstration was held outside his home at 11pm on Saturday.

“It’s very organised, it wasn’t some spontaneous demonstration of homeless people themselves, they were professional protesters,” Cr Doyle said.

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“I think this debate has been hijacked.

“This campaign of littering the streets shows just how destructive this group is, this is not protesting about a particular issue, this is just about trashing our city.

“I ignore these types of tactics, the issue itself and what we are prepared to do for the homeless is something I’m deeply committed too”.

Activists have targeted Mr Doyle over a new council by-law. Picture: Josie Hayden

The campaign dossier also discusses occupying the empty Franco Cozzo building in Footscray, using illegal begging to fund the campaign, and maintaining liaison with the Greens.

Cr Doyle said the Greens had questions to answer about its involvement with the protesters.

“Maintaining liaison doesn’t mean initiating liaison, it doesn’t mean seeking support, it means there is an existing relationship and I think the Greens leadership in Victoria needs to explain what that is,” Cr Doyle said.

Melbourne Greens councillor Rohan Leppert denied that anyone from the party passed on Cr Doyle’s address details to protesters.

“The Greens don’t support the Local Law changes, but we condemn these personal, invasive and counter-productive attacks,” Cr Leppert said.

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