The Homeless Persons’ Legal Service is monitoring events and providing support in Wagga Wagga, where Council staff are moving on people who have set up camps in public places, threatening fines and confiscating personal property.
The Homeless Persons’ Legal Service gives free legal advice and representation to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. It is part of the Justice and Equity Centre, an independent law and policy centre.
Comments from Homeless Persons’ Legal Service Principal Solicitor Kira Levin:
‘People are camping out in Wilks Park and other public places in Wagga Wagga because they have nowhere else to go. Council staff are giving move-on orders, threatening people with fines and removing or destroying personal property from these sites. But these people need time and support to find a safe alternative place to live.’
‘We’ve asked the Council to stop clearing these campsites but it has refused and told us it remains committed to enforcement actions, including issuing fines and confiscating personal property, which can lead to criminal charges.’
‘We’re giving legal support to people whose property may have been unlawfully removed to challenge the Council.’
‘Homes NSW have said people have been offered alternative accommodation. But we understand most people have only been offered Temporary Accommodation, known as TA, which is an extremely insecure and short-term option.’
‘People are being asked to pack up their entire lives and move to accommodation that might only be available for a few days. That’s just not viable, particularly for people who have pets or possessions that won’t be allowed in the accommodation they’ve been allocated.’
‘People are being offered accommodation far out of town, with no way of travelling back to town to access shops, healthcare and support services. Resolving the issues that lead to rough sleeping relies on effective support services being available, as well as adequate time to find appropriate, long-term housing for people.’
‘Move-on orders and confiscation of personal property only exacerbates already challenging situations, undermining people’s ability to effectively engage with support services and secure appropriate accommodation.’
‘We’re urging the Council to take a compassionate response to these people who have nowhere else to go, rather than a punitive one. They need support to find homes that are safe and secure, not punishment.’
Media contact: Media and Communications Manager, Dan Buhagiar, 0478 739 280
