Wagga Wagga homeless camp evictions and hotel refusal spark government probe

A NSW government authority is investigating a claim that the Wagga Gardens Motel turned away a homeless man who had been placed there through an emergency‑housing program. A video showed staff telling the man, “We don’t allow this much — this is not meant for bikes and everything,” before he was asked to leave. Homes NSW said the incident is “deeply concerning” and that any provider found discriminating could lose its contract.

At the same time, Wagga City Council began clearing a riverside tent camp on the Murrumbidgee River with heavy machinery. Residents received letters stating, “Camping on public land at and around the Riverside Precinct is not permitted,” and were given contact details for the Link2Home service. The council’s actions follow the eviction of campers from Wilks Park, part of a broader plan to move people into temporary hotel accommodation, a strategy criticised by housing advocates as insufficient for long‑term needs.