Kara Cook (Bonner, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Most Sundays, locals in Manly in my electorate of Bonner are welcomed by the kindness and big smile of Grant, who is one of our Big Issue sellers. Grant is also known as 'Polite Grant', and has worked with the magazine now for the second time in his life when he has fallen on harder times. Grant has also made a difference in helping others in need. He was asked to give clothes to those sleeping rough on the street and turned that into a charity called Signal Flare in Brisbane which is still going today. The Big Issue is more than a magazine; it is a key to opening new doors through creating work opportunities for those experiencing homelessness, marginalisation and disadvantage. It is helping people like Grant earn a meaningful income, build their confidence and connect with their community and support networks.

There have been almost 8½ thousand vendors since the Big Issue started in 1996. When they visited parliament this week, they shared with me some really wonderful statistics. Seventy-one per cent of their vendors have found more stable housing, 48 per cent participated in education or training and 88 per cent have maintained stable work at the Big Issue for three or more years.

I encourage all people in this place and certainly back in my community of Bonner to support the Big Issue. There are over 600 vendors right across our country. Thank you to the Big Issue for all of the work that you do, and thank you to Grant for the joy you bring to our community.

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