Ending the Crime of Begging for People in Public
Summary Offences Amendment (Begging) Bill 2025
1st House
2nd House
Law
Introduced by: Rachel Payne (LCV)
Links to official parliament websites
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.