Rob Stokes MP, Member for Pittwater, today rejected claims by heritage advocates that graffiti is “culturally important”.[1]

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“It’s totally irresponsible for people to ascribe heritage value to graffiti vandalism”, Rob Stokes told Parliament today.

“The only way we can effectively combat graffiti vandalism is to change the attitude among some young people that spraying paint on private property without permission is a legitimate form of artistic expression”, Mr Stokes said.

“Defacing private property is crime not art.

“Malice damage to property in Pittwater rose 3.9% in 2007.[1]

“Pittwater Council faces a yearly bill of $60,000 to clean up the mess left by selfish vandals.

“Given the clear link between spray cans and vandalism perhaps we should look at imposing a levy on the sale of spray cans to meet the costs of cleaning up the mess.

“We need to send a strong clear message to young people that graffiti is not art or heritage when it involves defacing or damaging someone else’s property”, Rob Stokes concluded.

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