‘This has to be a wake-up call’: NSW attorney general urged to order inquest into death of Sydney’s ‘birdman’
The New South Wales attorney-general has been urged to order an inquest into the death of Bikram Lama, a Nepali migrant known as 'the birdman', who died while sleeping rough in Sydney's Hyde Park. Lama, who came to Australia to study, was deemed a non-resident at the time of his death and likely lacked access to housing, healthcare, and social support. Independent MP Alex Greenwich says an inquest is necessary to uncover potential policy failures and prevent future deaths. The coroner is awaiting police evidence before deciding whether to proceed with an inquest.
- ▪Bikram Lama, a Nepali migrant, was found dead in Hyde Park after reportedly lying unnoticed for up to a week.
- ▪Lama was known as 'the birdman' due to his affinity with pigeons in the St James tunnel area.
- ▪Records indicate Lama was classified as a non-resident at the time of his death, limiting his access to social services.
- ▪Alex Greenwich has formally requested an inquest to examine systemic policy failures related to homelessness and immigration status.
- ▪Non-residents experiencing homelessness in Sydney often cannot access social housing, welfare, healthcare, or work rights.
- ▪The NSW coroner has not yet decided whether to hold an inquest, pending a police brief of evidence.
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Records show Bikram Lama, who came to Australia to study, was deemed a non-resident by the time of his death while sleeping rough in Hyde Park. Photograph: Supplied by familyView image in fullscreenRecords show Bikram Lama, who came to Australia to study, was deemed a non-resident by the time of his death while sleeping rough in Hyde Park. Photograph: Supplied by familySydney‘This has to be a wake-up call’: NSW attorney general urged to order inquest into death of Sydney’s ‘birdman’ Alex Greenwich says inquest crucial to understand what failures led to Bikram Lama’s death and avoid similar deaths Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Christopher KnausSun 26 Apr 2026 11.00 EDTLast modified on Sun 26 Apr 2026 11.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe New South…
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