Lead

The death of Bikram Lama, a 32-year-old Nepali man known as the “birdman” for his fondness for Hyde Park’s pigeons, has prompted an outpouring of grief and a political push for systemic change. Lama’s body was found on 7 December near the entrance to St James tunnel, where he had been sleeping rough. Police believe it lay unnoticed for up to a week.

Federal and state housing ministers have described the death as “beyond tragic,” while an independent MP has formally requested an inquest into the circumstances, citing potential policy failures. The case has drawn attention to the particular vulnerability of non-residents who fall into homelessness in Australia.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting on Lama’s death has centered on the human tragedy and the systemic gaps that may have contributed to it. The Guardian’s coverage has highlighted the personal story of Lama, who came to Australia from a remote Nepalese village to study, but whose visa lapsed and who was unable to access basic supports.

One report focuses on the vigil held in Hyde Park, where homeless support workers and friends remembered Lama and called for change. Another details the response from federal and state housing ministers, who acknowledged that non-residents face significant barriers to escaping homelessness.

A third piece outlines the formal request by Sydney MP Alex Greenwich for an inquest, noting that the coroner has yet to decide whether one will be held. Across these reports, the consistent thread is the need for greater cooperation between governments and service providers to prevent similar deaths.

Key Claims

  • Bikram Lama, a Nepali rough sleeper, died in Hyde Park, and his body lay unnoticed for up to a week, according to police.
  • Lama was a non-resident in Australia at the time of his death, having come to the country to study.
  • Non-residents in Australia are unable to access key supports needed to get out of homelessness, including social housing, social security, healthcare, and work rights, as reported by multiple outlets.
  • The coroner is yet to determine whether an inquest into Lama’s death will be held, but has sought contact with his family in Nepal.
  • Independent MP Alex Greenwich has requested an inquest into Lama’s death, citing potential policy failures.
  • A vigil was held in Hyde Park to honour Bikram Lama, with attendees calling for greater support for non-residents experiencing homelessness.
  • Federal and state housing ministers have described Lama's death as “beyond tragic” and acknowledged gaps in services for non-residents.
  • The City of Sydney and St Vincent’s have been lobbying state and federal governments to provide more support for non-residents experiencing homelessness.

Perspectives

Federal Government Perspective: A spokesperson for federal housing minister Clare O’Neil described the death as “beyond tragic” and emphasised the importance of working with state governments and community providers to prevent people from falling through the cracks. The Department of Home Affairs noted that it provides targeted support to bridging visa holders and helping non-citizens leave the country, but stressed that those who have exhausted avenues to remain must depart voluntarily.

State Government and Coroner’s Perspective: The NSW attorney-general’s office said the coroner is awaiting a brief of evidence from police before deciding whether to hold an inquest. Independent MP Alex Greenwich called for the inquest to examine potential policy failures, asking: “did Bikram Lama die because of failures in state and federal policies?”

Advocacy and Community Perspective: Homelessness support worker Erin Longbottom described Lama as “a person who lived, and struggled, and died unseen.” St Vincent’s Health, which had been trying to assist Lama, said his non-resident status made it nearly impossible for him to escape homelessness. The Australian-Nepalese community expressed frustration over delays in formal identification, which has prolonged the family’s distress.