The NSW Government has brought together an emergency working group following the heartbreaking death of a newborn baby in a Wagga Wagga homeless encampment.
A meeting was convened on Thursday between the NSW Government and City of Wagga Wagga Council to discuss homelessness in the city, particularly rough sleeping camps in Wilks Park and along the Murrumbidgee River.
An agreement was reached to bring together a cross-agency group to support rough sleepers into more permanent forms of housing.
Homes NSW, local homelessness service providers, NSW Police, and City of Wagga Wagga Council will work in partnership to do this. This collaborative approach escalates ongoing work to address homeless in the city.
The Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson will visit Wagga Wagga in coming weeks as part of this work.
The planned approach will mirror recent, successful models used to address homelessness encampments on the Central Coast.
The priority is to ensure that all rough sleepers are not only moved on, but moved forward into safer, stable housing.
Homelessness is one of the most challenging issues faced by government and it requires a coordinated approach that is grounded in compassion and an understanding of individual complexity.
Premier for NSW Chris Minns said:
"This has been heartbreaking news. Every person experiencing homelessness deserves safety and support, and the loss of a newborn child is devastating.
"Yesterday, I met with Wagga Mayor Dallas Tout, the General Manager, local member Dr Joe McGirr, and the Minister for Homelessness Rose Jackson, to talk about the way forward.
"It was a productive meeting that allowed us to come up with an immediate plan to support those people currently camping at Wilks Park and along the Murrumbidgee."
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
"Our thoughts are with the parents and their newborn, who remain in hospital care. This tragic death is a timely reminder that we must all double our efforts to look after the most vulnerable among us.
"I want to acknowledge the work of Homes NSW staff and the local services providers in Wagga Wagga, who work tirelessly to make sure everyone who seeks support can access it.
"We thank the City of Wagga Wagga and NSW Police for partnering with us to address this challenge."
Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said:
"I want to thank the Premier and the Minister for Housing for their swift action and I welcome the establishment of this emergency working group.
"It's crucial that we take a cross-agency approach to support rough sleepers to find more suitable accommodation.
"Today's meeting has allowed us to move beyond blame and towards a positive, proactive response."
City of Wagga Wagga Mayor Dallas Tout said:
"Wagga Council recognises the prompt and cooperative response of the NSW Government to address this tragedy and we thank them for the opportunity to meet throughout this week.
"Council also acknowledges the ongoing work and coordination by local member Dr Joe McGirr who attended all meetings.
"Discussions acknowledged the need for a joint government response to the situation which provides both support and safety. Work is now underway across multiple agencies to prepare and deliver this action."
