Ending the Crime of Begging for People in Public

Summary Offences Amendment (Begging) Bill 2025

1st House

2nd House

Law

This bill was sponsored by Rachel Payne (LCV)

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

Begging is no longer a crime in Victoria.
The law now only targets those who force or encourage children to beg.
General alms-gathering is officially off the books.
Section 49A has been narrowed down to focus strictly on child exploitation.

News articles and press releases