Lanz Priestly, organizer of the 24/7 Street Kitchen and Safe Space in Martin Place, takes a much needed nap in a wheelbarrow, where he sleeps each night.
For the last few weeks, Lanz has been engaged in relentless media interviews, press conferences and meetings with all levels of governments to try to negotiate the long term fate of the homeless community which sprang up in Martin Place in Sydney's CBD late last year. Up to 80 homeless people sleep at the Space every night.
Yesterday, the NSW State Government rushed special legislation through Parliament that will provide police with extraordinary powers to move the homeless on by force. Some fear these powers are far-ranging and could be used against all forms of protest.
According to Homelessness Australia, homelessness is a human rights issue.
It says:
"Access to safe and secure housing is one of the most basic human rights. However, homelessness is not just about housing. A person who is experiencing homelessness may be facing violations of the right to an adequate standard of living, the right to education, the right to liberty and security of the person, the right to privacy, the right to social security, the right to freedom from discrimination, the right to vote and many more."
*click on image for full screen view