Mr Ord, we are better than this.
The WA Department of Culture and Arts recently installed a water sprinkling system to drive those sleeping rough away from Perth's King Street Arts Centre. This system shoots water from above, soaking everyone who seeks shelter near the building. We call for its immediate removal.
We welcome news that you have agreed to turn off the taps. We now call on you to publicly commit to removing this humiliating and cruel system that targets the vulnerable once and for all.
Those the water hoses target are some of the most vulnerable people in Australia. People fleeing domestic violence, sufferers of mental illness or sexual abuse, and war veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder are just some of the people sleeping rough in Perth tonight. This callous water soaking system is an attack on the dignity of those already struggling in our community.
Drenching people without a home not only doesn't address the real issues, it can cause serious health problems. Many of the people affected carry all their belongings with them, cannot go anywhere to dry off, and have no prospect of a hot shower in winter. The lack of consideration for these people's lives and well-being we find unacceptable.
Mr Ord, as people of reason and compassion we call on you to not merely turn off the taps, but immediately remove this system from the King Street Arts Centre and call the community to creatively engage with the issues faced by those hurting on our streets.
Our response to those struggling in society indicates the kind of society we want to be. Show us we are better than this.
-Jarrod McKenna, Teaching Pastor at Westcity Church and National Director of Common Grace
Please see the 9 News coverage of the story below:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/aZ8eH0dMCrU
