Perth Voice Interactive

MT LAWLEY MLA Michael Sutherland was pounding the beat this week—not on the hustings but to sell The Big Issue.

The Liberal MP hasn’t fallen on hard times, he’s one of 70 politicians, mayors and CEOs Australia-wide helping the organisation reach its target of selling $100,000 of magazines during International Street Paper Vendor Week (February 3–9).

To meet the target a whopping 33,333 copies will need to be sold—around 10,000 more than normal.

Mr Sutherland, the only WA state or federal politician to put his hand up for the task, says he was happy to lend a hand and will be knocking on business doors as well as selling on the street.

the important thing is that governments and private companies do their bit to help

“Despite everyone’s best efforts, there are hundreds of people in Perth who sleep rough,” he says.

“The reasons why vary, but the important thing is that governments and private companies do their bit to help where they can.

“[The Big Issue] gives people a start who are down on their luck. I thought it would be a good thing to raise the profile.”

Around the world The Big Issue and similar magazines help around 28,000 homeless and disadvantaged people.

by JENNY D’ANGER