Media Release: Statement in response to high-pitch noise device being used in the City of Perth.

Shelter WA CEO Kath Snell said: “The use of high-pitch noise devices to deter people experiencing homelessness from sleeping in public spaces is a disturbing use of hostile architecture that Shelter WA condemns in its entirety. It has no place in Western Australia.

“This is a completely punitive approach that is not humane and unfairly targets people sleeping rough rather than addressing the root causes. 

“Making life even harder for people who don’t have anywhere safe to sleep causes harm and strips people of their dignity. Doing this pushes vulnerable people out of sight instead of providing safety and support. 

“We strongly oppose the use of high-pitch noise devices, along with all hostile architecture as a tool to move people on. Moving people on is not a person-centred response and only makes the problem worse, forcing people into areas further from the city and services, and potentially more dangerous or unsanitary areas. Hostile architecture reinforces stigma and can make it even harder for people to access support.

“Local governments have a really important role to play in preventing and ending homelessness in their communities, from helping to boost social and affordable housing to providing well designed people-friendly amenities. 

“There are positive examples where WA councils are stepping up to work on strategies to support local people experiencing homelessness, and Shelter WA proudly works closely with all levels of government to improve awareness and responses to homelessness.

“We also work closely with the WA Rangers Association, and we are reaching out to the City of Perth and the Public Transport Authority to discuss a more suitable path forward to support people who are living without a home. 

“Any response to homelessness must be compassionate, person-centred and focused on long-term solutions, not deterrence and distress. We are not going to end homelessness by moving people on.”

 

Co-CEO of Uniting WA Michael Chester said: “At Tranby Engagement Hub, we support people who are sleeping rough – some of the most vulnerable and marginalised members of our community.

“For people sleeping rough, every day is a struggle. Finding food, shelter, medical care and basic services is a battle they face each day.

“People sleeping rough often gravitate towards underpasses and carparks because they offer one of the few places of shelter from the harsh sun, or from the cold and wet during winter. They’re also looking for a sense of privacy and safety, particularly from the risk of being attacked.
“We’re aware there is a device emitting a high‑pitched sound in the underpass near the Tranby Engagement Hub, which appears to be intended as an anti‑loitering measure. While we understand there may sometimes be reasons these devices are used, it’s important to acknowledge that simply moving people on doesn’t solve the problem, it just shifts it elsewhere.

“In this case, it’s shifting extremely vulnerable people who are already in high distress.

“We need to work together to find better solutions, ones that address safety and amenity concerns without further increasing suffering. There are more humane and compassionate ways forward, and by working together we can find solutions that uphold dignity and care for the most vulnerable in our society.”

Background:

• Shelter WA provides a range of resources and training for local governments on best practice person-centred responses to helping to end homelessness, which can be found here
• Uniting WA runs Tranby Engagement Hub, Perth’s only 365-day-a-year centre providing crisis services to people sleeping rough