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Craig Hill, the Legalise Cannabis Party candidate for the federal seat of Bonner, has today unveiled a comprehensive plan to address homelessness in the community, pledging to deliver real change for individuals and families in need.
“Everyone deserves a safe place to call home,” Craig said. “In a country as wealthy as Australia, it is unacceptable that so many people are living without stable housing – including right here in Bonner.”
Craig is no stranger to homelessness, having lived on the streets of Brisbane in 2005 after being evicted with no notice from his residence. With the help of Big Issue Magazine, Australian Democrats Senator Andrew Bartlett and a local businesswoman, Craig was able to work his way off the streets.
He worked tirelessly to assist others sleeping rough and was recognised for his achievements with an offer of $75,000 from the Vodafone World of Difference Foundation to assist the homeless in Brisbane. This money was to pay his wages and expenses for a year at Big Issue Magazine.
Unfortunately, he was unable to complete this contract due to a workplace injury, but later went to work for Senator Bartlett, helping the homeless from the Senator’s Fortitude Valley office. He now owns a house and runs a business in Carindale.
Recent reports have highlighted the alarming rise in housing stress and homelessness across southeast Queensland. In response, Craig is committing to a seven-point strategy to address the crisis:
- Build More Affordable and Social Housing: Partner with the Queensland Government to accelerate the delivery of new social and affordable homes under the Homes for Queenslanders plan, including securing funding to fast-track construction in key areas of Bonner.
. - Support Local Homelessness Services: Increase federal funding to frontline organizations like Micah Projects to expand outreach, crisis accommodation, and long-term support for people experiencing homelessness.
. - Back ‘Housing First’ Programs: Implement proven ‘Housing First’ models that prioritise stable housing as the first step – not the last – in helping people rebuild their lives.
. - Improve Mental Health and Substance Support Services: Invest in wraparound services to tackle the root causes of homelessness, including mental health care, addiction support, and trauma recovery.
. - Expand Homeless Connect Events and Outreach: Work with Brisbane City Council to increase the frequency and accessibility of events like Homeless Connect that provide free access to essential services.
. - Advocate for Stronger Federal Leadership: Push for a national homelessness strategy with measurable targets and transparent accountability, ensuring Bonner receives its fair share of support and resources.
. - Empower Local Communities and Volunteers: Launch a community awareness campaign to break the stigma around homelessness and promote pathways for residents to get involved in meaningful support initiatives.
“Homelessness isn’t just a housing issue – it’s a community issue,” Craig said. “With compassion, collaboration, and proper investment, we can ensure everyone in Bonner has the dignity of a home.”
Craig is calling on all levels of government and the community to work together to make homelessness in Bonner rare, brief, and non-recurring.
Craig Hill is a Brisbane-based author, journalist, teacher, business consultant and social justice campaigner. He is the General Manager of the Australian Business and Leadership School.
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