Barry O'Sullivan (Queensland, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

That was a disappointing contribution from the senator, particularly when he invoked references to homelessness in the context of an overall argument trying to be advanced by the Australian Labor Party on the question of inequality. He well knows that there are any number of things that impact unfortunate people who find themselves in homeless situations, very few of which have to do with the availability of housing and shelter. This country, Australia, culturally is a very generous nation. For any individual who finds themselves in tough circumstances, there are any number of measures that this country provides, supported by this government and supported by many organisations, wonderful organisations, many that are based on religious faith and others that are just altruistic in their efforts to assist people in their situation in homelessness.

The senator well knows that many of the people who find themselves in those unfortunate circumstances do so because of some form of addiction or, indeed, have psychiatric challenges. Any number of houses and any number of efforts by this government—and there are many—and the altruistic efforts of churches and other community organisations would not bring about the changes that he is endeavouring to blame the government for. Here's a man who owns three houses and recently paid—