Punished for being homeless

Issue 

Punished for being homeless

By Bill Day

DARWIN — A woman who spoke at a rally of homeless Aboriginal people here on March 17 has been fined $1060 for taking two blankets and a bedspread from a city motel. Her partner was fined $540 for the same offence.

The two were arrested by police as they slept in a nearby cemetery. Yolanda Roberts and Mark Smith both come from Maningrida where community initiatives have been stifled by an entrenched group of administrators. Smith and Roberts live in a suburban camp where drinking water is carried in jerry cans through the mangroves.

The excessive fines are part of a campaign to drive homeless Aborigines out of Darwin. City council inspectors also issue $50 on-the-spot fines for the "crime" of sleeping in a public place.

Roberts joined speakers at the rally who claimed, "When it rains we hide ourselves in toilets or at the shops — that's where we stay. We are rounded up like dogs at the RSPCA."

Because of cut backs to legal aid, an appeal against the fines is unlikely.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.