Response to Boarding House Fire

Wednesday 16 March 2022

Statement from the Mayor Darcy Byrne

The death of three local residents in the fire at the boarding house in Newtown is a shocking tragedy.

On behalf of the Inner West I want to pay respect to the victims and their loved ones.

It is important that their lives be commemorated properly by our community and we will work to ensure that happens.

Thank you to all the staff at Newtown Neighbourhood Centre for their work in supporting the survivors of the fire. Council will do everything possible to assist NNC to secure new accommodation and ongoing support for the people who have been made homeless.

We are also working very closely with Police and providing them with all the information they need for their investigation. Council records show that annual fire safety certification for this property was up to date and in order.

In the aftermath of this horrific event there must be a renewed effort to improve safety and living conditions in boarding houses.

The exploitation of vulnerable people living in these shared homes has been a long-standing problem in Sydney.

Local and State government must now urgently re-examine the regulation and management of boarding houses. I will write to the Premier to propose this joint review.

For media enquiries, contact Elizabeth Heath, Media and Communications Coordinator, 9392 5334 or Elizabeth.Heath@innerwest.nsw.gov.au