Hobart safety officer plan labelled ‘Band-Aid solution’ as barrister warns of ‘dangerous’ potential
As Hobart grapples with concerns over anti-social behaviour in the CBD, a proposal for safety officers has split opinion, with one councillor suggesting a radical alternative.
A proposal to deploy a team of safety officers in Hobart’s public spaces has garnered mixed reactions, with one local councillor hailing the plan as “compassionate”, while a leading barrister has labelled it a “Band-Aid” solution to anti-social behaviour in the city.
Unanimously endorsed by the Safer Hobart Alliance, a Hobart City Council-led advisory committee, the Safer Hobart Officer program is being designed with the goal of improving public order in the state capital.
Hobart councillors have been asked to review and provide feedback on the proposal, which, if approved, would see council-employed safety officers patrol areas such as Elizabeth St Mall and Wellington Court, monitoring compliance with by-laws, referring vulnerable people to services, and reporting issues to police.
The proposal comes in response to concerns about escalating anti-social behaviour in the city, with a council report citing evidence of more young people carrying weapons, an increase in youth crime, and drug dealing becoming “more overt” in public areas.
Alderman Louise Bloomfield, the chair of the Safer Hobart Alliance, said the officers would fill the role of “city stewards” and give Hobart “a visible, human heartbeat”.
“They will be Hobart City Council-trained staff and thus directly accountable, guided by public service values. This is an improvement over the ad hoc system of engaging private contractors who cannot by nature supply ongoing relationships with the community,” she said.
Alderman Bloomfield said the officers would be trained in cultural safety, trauma-informed engagement, and de-escalation, with uniforms “designed to signal approachability, not authority”.
“This program … reflects Hobart’s values as a compassionate capital,” she said.
Hobart barrister Greg Barns, speaking for the Australian Lawyers Alliance, warned against deploying safety officers for law enforcement purposes.
“These officers will need to be trained in trauma-informed dealings with individuals, many of whom are kids at risk, people who are homeless, who may have mental health or drug issues,” he said.
“There would need to be very strict monitoring because if these officers are seen to be an element of law enforcement, then there should be real concerns that they may misuse power or make the situation worse for people at risk.”
Mr Barns said the initiative was “merely another Band-Aid” that would not address underlying causes of anti-social behaviour.
“It’s really just window dressing but it has the potential to become dangerous if a strict culture of trauma-informed engagement is not adhered to,” he said.
Hobart councillor Ryan Posselt has proposed an alternative: a multidisciplinary team including social workers, police, council rangers, and paramedics patrolling between 7am and 11pm, similar to the PACER mental health crisis unit.
“Rather than a mall cop, let’s provide a soft touch. Let’s build a city founded in care for the vulnerable – we know that gets the best outcomes,” he said.
Tasmania Police Inspector John Toohey said any initiatives promoting safer public spaces were welcome.
“We look forward to ongoing co-operation with the City of Hobart to ensure a safe and vibrant community for all residents and visitors,” he said.
