The death occurred at Wagga Beach at the weekend. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
The NSW Housing Minister has accused Wagga Council of “blame shifting” following the death of a baby at Wagga Beach, as concern grows over the town’s homelessness problem.
An Aboriginal woman who had been living rough for several months gave birth to twins on Saturday in a tent near the Murrumbidgee River and close to Wagga’s CBD. One baby died and their sibling was first rushed to Wagga hospital before being airlifted to Sydney. The mother was also taken to hospital.
Wagga Council issued a statement on Monday expressing concern but said “it is not the authority which has the resources, the staff or the systems in place to address this issue”.
It directed media to NSW Government agencies such as the Department of Communities and Justice for further comment.
Housing Minister Rose Jackson said the NSW Government had taken responsibility of the matter.
“I think if there’s blame shifting happening it’s council to the State Government,” she told ABC.
Wagga Mayor Dallas Tout said he was disappointed with this comment.
“What I expressed to the media on Tuesday was our frustration, as there are a range of agencies with different powers and we all need to work on coordinating the exercising of those powers,” he said.
“A whole-of-government approach is needed to effectively tackle homelessness, which is what we are asking for, because this affects people everywhere.
“This comment reflects the media statement we issued on Monday.”
NSW Housing Minister Rose Jackson says she is acting on the tragedy. Photo: Facebook.
Wagga councillor Richard Foley described this council statement as “cold and bureaucratic” in the face of tragedy.
He wanted the local government body to take a more active role in helping the more than 250 people in town without a roof over their heads.
“Wagga Wagga City Council is in a position to co-contribute land, fast-track approvals and could, if called upon, offer appropriate staff coordination,” he said.
“The state needs to bring the funding.”
Ratepayers association president Chris Roche has said that Wagga Council can’t deal with the problem on its own, but has been “very slow” to contribute to solutions.
“Council has made the comment that it’s too big for them, but we as a community have to solve this, including council. One thing they could do is open up the public bathrooms, which are locked until 5:30 am … the death of the baby was shocking and a huge blight on this community.”
Cr Foley also said government agencies such as Homes NSW needed to do a better job at finding people longer-term housing solutions when in crisis.
“At the moment, their only solution is to put someone in a hotel room for 72 hours. Who the hell is going to rip down their tent to stay somewhere for three days?” he said.
Region asked Homes NSW if it prioritised pregnant women and women with babies when providing housing assistance and what support it provided. The agency did not answer this question, instead providing a general statement.
“Homes NSW works with all individuals and families to ensure they have access to the assistance they need, including health and housing support, regardless of their race, gender, or background,” a spokesperson said.
Minister Jackson told Region that the previous government neglected the issue of homelessness and her team was working hard to turn things around.
“The NSW Government isn’t interested in shifting blame and making excuses; we take responsibility for making sure everyone who seeks assistance is able to access it,” she said.
Mayor Tout says Wagga Council has been proactive on the issue, refuting Ms Jackson’s claim that her department coordinated an interagency meeting last week.
“This is not true,” the mayor said.
“It was Wagga Wagga City Council that requested and coordinated an interagency meeting some weeks ago, which was held at council.
“It was also council that coordinated the follow-up meeting scheduled for last week between council, the Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Police and Dr McGirr MP, which we had to postpone because we needed more time to prepare for that meeting.
“The comments by the minister are disappointing because they suggest she is not being given an accurate account of what has been happening in Wagga Wagga.
“Council has a strong relationship with the NSW Government and has enjoyed strong support from the government.”
Original Article published by Oliver Jacques on Region Riverina.
