Maree Pardy is the lead author of a new report by Footscray Community Response, which evaluates Maribyrnong Council's use of security patrols to address social and health issues.
The research found that Council's reliance on security, police and surveillance is causing direct harm to those targetted and it is undermining the safety and wellbeing of the broader community.
The report makes a range of recommendations for the immediate and longer term that focus on prevention, support for community, non-discrimination and human rights.
Links
A community evaluation of the Footscray CBD Patrol Program
Take action
This February (2026), Maribyrnong Council will vote on whether Footscray’s unhoused community and other “undesirables” using public space should continue to be surveilled and criminalised by private security guards. Join FCR at 5:45pm on Tuesday 17 February at Maribyrnong Town Hall for a speak-out, then we’ll all head into the Council meeting together to ensure our community is heard.
Jennifer Borrell & Jacques Boulet
