Ted O'Brien (Fairfax, Liberal Party, Shadow Treasurer) Share this | Hansard source

Often in this place I talk about the importance of a strong economy. That's not because it's the end game; it's the means. It's the means by which we build the hospitals and the schools. It's a means by which we build the roads and the rail and by which we ensure that everyday Australians can have a good standard of living, that they can have a roof over their head, that they can put food on the table and that they can otherwise enjoy a fulfilled, happy and healthy life.

But, today, the economy is not strong; it is weak. That is why we see symptoms right across the country of people who are doing it tough. There is no more alarming consequence than that of homelessness. In my own electorate on the Sunshine Coast, the town of Nambour is experiencing an enormous amount of homelessness at the moment. Everyone's trying to do their bit, everyone from Mayor Natoli and state MP Marty Hunt to the local chamber, charities and churches. But there's still more we can all do, and, as a community, I believe we can do more.

An initiative I want to raise in the House today is the Sunny Coast Sleeper. This is a bus which has seven sleeping pods. It costs $15 for someone who would otherwise sleep on the street to have a good, safe, sound, secure night's sleep in the sleeper. I'm going to get behind this initiative and try to raise funds for it. If anybody does have $15 and wants to make a contribution, please do. Let's all do our bit.

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