Hi all,
I've just returned from Sydney NSW and had a fantastic time but was underwhelmed by the amount of quality Street Art, maybe the following article is part of the reason for such an underwhelming presence in the Harbour City.
Excerpt from The Sydney Morning Herald
"Graffiti now a $100m crime in NSW
February 20, 2009
Tougher laws for graffiti offences will outlaw the carrying of marker pens and etching implements in NSW in some instances, the state government says.
The laws, which come into effect today, follow last month's government announcement that graffiti crime was escalating and costing NSW more than $100 million a year.
The package of new laws will help tackle the proliferation of graffiti, NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos said.
"The community has had enough of having to repair damage left behind by this senseless crime," Mr Hatzistergos said in a statement.
The legislation makes it illegal to possess implements with the intention of using them to damage or deface premises or property, a law previously applicable only to spray paint cans.
Fair Trading representatives and police officers will also be able to issue on-the-spot fines to retailers who fail to properly secure spray paint cans.
Damaging or defacing property carries a fine of $2,200 or six months jail, while possessing an instrument suspected of being used to graffiti property attracts a fine of $1,100 or three months jail. "
February 20, 2009
Tougher laws for graffiti offences will outlaw the carrying of marker pens and etching implements in NSW in some instances, the state government says.
The laws, which come into effect today, follow last month's government announcement that graffiti crime was escalating and costing NSW more than $100 million a year.
The package of new laws will help tackle the proliferation of graffiti, NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos said.
"The community has had enough of having to repair damage left behind by this senseless crime," Mr Hatzistergos said in a statement.
The legislation makes it illegal to possess implements with the intention of using them to damage or deface premises or property, a law previously applicable only to spray paint cans.
Fair Trading representatives and police officers will also be able to issue on-the-spot fines to retailers who fail to properly secure spray paint cans.
Damaging or defacing property carries a fine of $2,200 or six months jail, while possessing an instrument suspected of being used to graffiti property attracts a fine of $1,100 or three months jail. "
Of course this is not the full outline of the new law but you get the idea.
People who sexually assualt, violently abuse, speed and steal get lighter sentences than this, what is it with a society that is more offended by the scribblings and artwork of Urban community members that of what have been recognised as crimes that cause long term physical, mental and emotional trauma.
I've never been happier to "Stick it to the Man"
Here are a couple of pics for you.
Take it Easy.
The ManAnchor.
