New South Wales booked flight to New Zealand for homeless resident, report says

The short version

• The New South Wales government paid for an international ticket to send homeless Wagga Wagga resident Mark Hudson to New Zealand rather than providing temporary shelter.[The Guardian]
• Hudson stated that housing officials repeatedly pressured him to accept the flight, whereas Homes NSW maintained that travel assistance is provided only when requested by individuals ineligible for social housing.[The Guardian]
• The flight was cancelled by the airline, and officials offered Hudson local housing following media inquiries.[The Guardian]

Key facts

• The New South Wales government paid for Mark Hudson to fly back to New Zealand rather than providing him with temporary accommodation in Wagga Wagga.[The Guardian]
• Hudson stated that Homes NSW officers repeatedly pressured him to take the flight.[The Guardian]
• Homes NSW stated that funding travel costs is an assistance option when an ineligible person requests help to return to their home country.[The Guardian]
• The airline cancelled the scheduled international flight, leaving Hudson in Wagga Wagga.[The Guardian]
• Hudson was offered local housing following inquiries made by Guardian Australia.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• NSW government paid for homeless man to be sent back to New Zealand instead of offering housingThe Guardian - World