State follows graffiti lead

By Sarah Schwager
CASEY Council has applauded new state laws passed in Parliament last Thursday that make it an offence to sell spray paint cans to minors.
Mayor Colin Butler said Casey had led the way in tackling the scourge of graffiti and the new graffiti laws were good news for all Victorians.
“I’m pleased our innovative approach, which involves eradication, community education and enforcement, has influenced policy at the state level,” Cr Butler said.
“Casey’s aggressive approach to tackling graffiti has achieved outstanding results including improved public image of local suburbs, a greater sense of pride in the community and improved perceptions of public safety.”
However, Mayfield Ward councillor and anti-graffiti lobbyist Steve Beardon said the legislation did not go far enough.
“Tougher laws are certainly overdue, and I support the legislation,” he said.
“However, I feel it stopped short of ensuring residents across the state would benefit as we do here in Casey.”
Cr Beardon encouraged the State Government to follow the example of the New South Wales Government in making graffiti removal the responsibility of local government.
“This would see all councils implement the Casey strategy and would ensure zero tolerance, offender accountability and education standards across the state.”
The state legislation will give police the power to lay specific graffiti charges while vandals could spend up to two years behind bars or face fines of more than $26,000.
Other features of the new laws include a ban on carrying spray cans near public transport without a legitimate reason, fines of up to $2200 for selling spray paint to anyone under 18, unless for work reasons, and a clampdown on spray paint advertising that encourages graffiti.