The New South Wales government recently controversially sent a homeless man from Wagga Wagga back to New Zealand, despite the man having permanent residency in Australia. The decision was made as part of a broader effort to clear an encampment by a river, where residents have been living for months. The push to remove people from the camp began after a newborn baby died in May when its mother gave birth to twins in a tent. Since then, local authorities have used what they call “compliance action” to pressure residents to leave the area, with fines of up to $1,100 for those who do not comply. At least four individuals have been fined around $110 for not moving out in time. However, the council has denied that people were fined simply for where they were staying. Mark Hudson, 53, has permanent residency in Australia and is legally entitled to temporary housing. He has lived in the country for 18 years but does not have a Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) document, which is required to prove his status. Despite this, the government repeatedly offered him a flight back to New Zealand, even though he has not lived there in over 18 years. Hudson described the pressure he faced from officials, who offered the flight multiple times. Recently, the government booked a flight to Sydney and then Auckland at a cost of $1,797. However, the international flight was later cancelled, and Hudson, who is about to take custody of his granddaughter and has a dog he does not want to leave behind, remains in Wagga. After media attention, he was offered temporary accommodation and is expected to move in next week. A spokesperson for Homes NSW, the agency responsible for assisting people with housing insecurity, said they have been working with residents since April. They confirmed that travel assistance, including airfare, is one of the support options available for those not eligible for social housing in New South Wales. The spokesperson noted that Mark Hudson, a New Zealand citizen, initiated the discussion about returning to his home country, where he has family. If he decides not to return, the agency said they will continue to help him find alternative housing, as he is not eligible for social housing in the state. A recent investigation by Guardian Australia highlighted the challenges faced by people like Hudson, who lose their visa status or cannot prove permanent residency. In December, a 32-year-old Nepali man, Bikram Lama, known as Sydney’s “birdman,” died while sleeping rough at a train station. His death revealed a gap in the support systems for homeless people who lack legal status or proof of residency. In New South Wales, permanent residents must prove their status, usually through Centrelink payments, and those who have lived in the country for more than 10 years are eligible for six months of payments. Hudson previously received Centrelink support but was cut off after six months. New Zealand citizens with special category visas are also entitled to emergency housing. Housing advocate Timothy Verhoef criticized the government for sending Hudson back to New Zealand before offering him a home, calling it a failure. He noted that the $1,700 spent on the flight had not resolved the issue and that the government was merely shifting the problem. Hudson, who has spent most of his life working in Australia, moved to Wagga to be closer to family but has been living in a tent by the river for nearly two years. He survives on the help of family, public showers, and charity meals. While he is open to temporary housing, he said he would be “hated” if he refuses to take the flight. He wants some form of housing and support but has been struggling to find it. Verhoef also criticized the lack of collaboration between local and state authorities, saying they have not provided real solutions for the people living in the encampment.