Public space liaison officers
Provide a compassionate and respectful response to address issues arising from the impact of homelessness in public places.
Homelessness and public space
Public space liaison officers work with rough sleepers and street drinkers, our organisation, homelessness service providers, government agencies such as Transport for NSW, the police as well as local residents and businesses. They help broker responses that both address the issues and respond to the needs of vulnerable individuals at the same time.
Along with our organisation, the officers regularly consult with rough sleepers in regards to policy and actions that will impact upon them. People experiencing homelessness are given the opportunity to negotiate outcomes and help find solutions. Rough sleepers are encouraged to contact us with any concerns about their interactions with us or external stakeholders.
The officers aim to take a preventive rather than reactive approach to people who are homeless by early identification of issues relating to rough sleepers in public places and early referral to assistance.
Working with the community
We recognise the state government’s protocol for homeless people in public places. The protocol acknowledges the equal rights of all members of the community to access public places. However, people who use public places must do so responsibly.
Tension may arise between local communities and rough sleepers or other people who behave anti-socially in public places. The officers are a major link between rough sleepers and the wider community to address this tension.
