Hobart may soon have a small team of uniformed officers patrolling the CBD under the council-led Safer Hobart Program. The plan would see three officers working business hours, Monday to Friday, engaging with local businesses, monitoring trouble spots, and connecting rough sleepers and at-risk individuals with support services.
The program draws on similar models in Melbourne and Perth and responds to calls from Tasmania Police, the Safer Hobart Alliance, and local businesses for a more visible council presence, particularly as policing focuses on intelligence-led operations.
Officers would concentrate on education and de-escalation rather than enforcement, patrolling known hotspots, supporting vulnerable people, and monitoring smoke-free areas. They would wear body cameras and receive training in trauma-informed practice and mental health first aid.
The initiative would cost $300,000 annually but requires no new funding, using three vacant council positions. A 2022 internal audit highlighted gaps in the city’s approach to community safety, noting that CCTV can record incidents but cannot intervene or provide real-time support.
I welcome the initiative. While no measure is a silver bullet this program will hopefully provide a more consistent presence for businesses and the community, helping Hobart’s streets feel safer and more welcoming.
The council will workshop the proposal on Tuesday, with a formal decision expected on February 23.
Edwin Johnstone
Chair, Business Greater Hobart
