Opinion: Local Leaders Turn a Tragedy into a Political Circus

Yesterday, Cessnock was shaken by the sad news of Joe, a local man who spent his last hours sleeping on a bench outside the Centrelink office. Joe was homeless, well-known in the community, and had repeatedly turned down help from caring citizens who had offered money and even a place to stay. What we don’t know, though, is what kind of support Joe received from the charities and government agencies responsible for assisting those in his situation. In 2024, it’s heartbreaking to imagine someone passing away in the shadow of a government building meant to provide a safety net.