I get accosted for money at least 10 times a week (I work in Surry Hills and have to walk through Central Station - the area is full of people asking for money). So I keep spare change handy to give out. How much I give out and to who depends on how polite they are.

Some are clearly homeless and some are clearly addicts.  But I don't care - they clearly need the money and that's that. I take the view that it's best that an addict gets their money honestly (by begging) than by stealing. Giving them a sandwich still means they have to get their money for a hit.