NSW paid homeless man's airfare to New Zealand rather than offer housing
Homes NSW paid $1,797 to send a homeless man to New Zealand instead of offering housing.
Mark Hudson, 53, has lived in Australia for 18 years with permanent residency. When he became homeless in Wagga Wagga, Homes NSW repeatedly offered him a one-way flight to New Zealand instead of temporary housing.
A Homes NSW officer asked him six or seven times if he wanted the flight. The agency booked and paid for flights to Auckland.
The cost was $1,797 to taxpayers. The airline cancelled the international flight.
Hudson has a girlfriend in Wagga Wagga. He is about to get custody of his granddaughter.
He did not want to leave Australia. After Guardian Australia contacted the NSW government, he was finally offered housing.
Homes NSW said travel costs are a support option for people who cannot get other services. It is for people who ask for help returning to their home country.
- $1,797
- Flight cost to taxpayer
- 18 years
- Hudson's time in Australia
- 53
- Hudson's age
- Newborn baby died in May
- Encampment trigger
Why it mattersGovernment policy on homelessness can either provide shelter or push vulnerable people away. This case shows how priorities can clash with the duty of care.
AustraliaNSW residents experiencing homelessness may face pressure to leave Australia rather than access local housing support.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 12 d ago
