‘A sobering indictment’: 14 homeless people die a year in public parks or countryside in Australia, analysis finds
Summary
An analysis has found that about 14 homeless people die each year in public parks or countryside areas in Australia. The findings highlight ongoing problems with homelessness, lack of emergency housing, and support services for rough sleepers.Key Facts
- On average, 14 rough sleepers die annually in public parks or natural areas in Australia.
- Between 2010 and 2020, 54 homeless people died in public parks, and 85 died in countryside locations like bushland and riverbanks.
- The deaths include a young international student in Hyde Park, a homeless mother who died of sepsis, and a newborn baby at a homeless camp.
- Many of these deaths are not well known because relevant reports from coroners are often not public.
- The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that waiting lists for social housing for people in greatest need have worsened every year since 2015.
- In recent years, the number of people already homeless when they seek services increased by 11%, and those sleeping rough when starting support grew by 25%.
- Some deaths expose gaps in services for non-residents whose visas have expired.
- Experts say these deaths show serious system failures and call for urgent changes to Australia’s response to homelessness.
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