Call for Inquest into the Death of Homeless Man Highlights Urgent Need for Policy Reforms
Sydney, Australia – Michael Daley, the Attorney-General of New South Wales, is facing mounting pressure to initiate an inquest into the tragic death of Bikram Lama, a Nepali rough sleeper known affectionately as “the birdman” due to his fondness for pigeons in Hyde Park. The young migrant’s body was reportedly undiscovered for nearly a week, lying in bushes near the busy St James station, prompting widespread outrage and calls for immediate change in homeless support policies.
Lama, who had come to Australia for educational opportunities, lost contact with his family and was later classified as a non-resident, making him ineligible for vital support services. Current statistics indicate that approximately one in five rough sleepers in Sydney’s inner city are non-residents, a category that typically excludes access to social housing, social security, healthcare, and employment rights.
The local coroner has yet to determine whether an inquest into Lama’s death will be conducted but has initiated contact with his family in Nepal. In a significant public response, independent MP for Sydney, Alex Greenwich, formally reached out to Daley, urging him to use his powers to oversee an inquest that evaluates potential policy oversights contributing to this tragic incident.
“This incident is shocking and heartbreaking,” Greenwich remarked. “It serves as an urgent wake-up call for policymakers. We need to ask whether Bikram Lama’s death illustrates failures in state and federal policies surrounding homelessness.”
Daley’s office reported that the coroner is currently awaiting a brief of evidence from the NSW Police before proceeding with any decisions regarding an inquest. A representative from Daley’s office confirmed, “The Attorney-General has received correspondence related to this case. The coroner will review the evidence and determine the next steps in accordance with standard processes.”
A prior investigation by Guardian Australia into over 600 homelessness-related deaths revealed a significant life expectancy gap among those experiencing homelessness compared to the general population. This discrepancy is often attributed to systemic shortcomings in providing adequate housing, healthcare, and mental health support.
Recent coronial inquiries have also focused on understanding the correlation between homelessness, insufficient support services, and the deaths of rough sleepers. For instance, the Victorian coroner Simon McGregor examined the death of Sacha Lefebvre, a 52-year-old who experienced mental health challenges and substance use issues while sleeping rough in Melbourne. His death prompted calls for increased homelessness support and the recognition of housing as a fundamental human right.
Greenwich emphasized the necessity of an inquest into Lama’s death to uncover the underlying causes. “There are many unanswered questions regarding Bikram’s situation,” he stated. “Unless we examine the policy failures that led to his death, we risk allowing similar tragedies to continue.”
As public attention turns toward this issue, advocates for change are calling for reforms that ensure access to essential services for all individuals, particularly those without permanent residency. The death of Bikram Lama has sparked a crucial dialogue about homelessness and the urgent need for comprehensive policy reform to address the underlying issues that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
In light of this tragedy, the community and policymakers alike must confront their responsibilities to ensure that no one experiencing homelessness is left without the necessary support to seek a better life.
