The NSW Government has established an emergency working group following the tragic 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.
It followed the death of the newborn, whose mother had been living rough at the riverside location for several months. She gave birth to twins last Saturday in a tent near the river. The other baby was rushed to hospital before being airlifted to Sydney. The mother was also hospitalised followed the birth.
Homes NSW, local homelessness service providers, NSW Police, and the Council will now work in partnership to bring together a cross-agency group to support rough sleepers into more permanent forms of housing, said NSW Premier, Chris Minns.
“This has been heartbreaking news. Every person experiencing homelessness deserves safety and support, and the loss of a newborn child is devastating,” said Mr Minns.
“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, will visit Wagga Wagga in coming weeks, the Premier confirmed.
He said 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, said Minister Jackson.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Mayor, Dallas Trout thanked the NSW Government for the opportunity to meet and discuss a response to the issue.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
