New South Wales Premier Mike Baird is a very recognisable person.
It’s pretty much impossible for him to be out and about, not be approached by constituents who want to have a chat (sometimes positive, other times not so much) and maybe snap a selfie.
So, after getting a very different reaction while spending the morning selling The Big Issue on Sydney’s CBD streets, he wrote about it on his Facebook page.
Baird said he had felt invisible in the yellow vest and red cap traditionally worn by the homeless Australians who sell the magazine.
He wrote:
When you were a kid, did you ever dream of having an invisible cloak?
Well, it turns out, it is not all it’s cracked up to be.
Most days, as I walk in my suit down Martin Place, I am often warmly greeted by the good people of Sydney. “Good Morning, Premier!” (Along with some “constructive feedback” of course.)
Some stop to ask for selfies. No problem, there. I’m a politician. I’m not averse to selfies.
But today in Martin Place, there are very few greetings. In fact, most people lower their heads and hurry past me, desperate to avoid eye contact.
Today, instead of wearing my suit, I’m in a high vis yellow vest and red cap, selling The Big Issue.
The Big Issue isn’t just a magazine… It’s a great social enterprise designed to help our homeless and disadvantaged get back on their feet by doing some work.
One morning a year, for the past 6 years, I’ve hit the streets to try my hand at selling the magazine… and I’m struck every year by the same confronting reality of suddenly becoming invisible.
It isn’t fun being invisible. In fact, it is really lonely.
I don’t write this to make you feel bad. I’ve done it all too often myself. I’ve lowered my head instead of greeting my fellow humans with a smile. I’ve been too busy to stop. I’ve felt embarrassed. I’ve felt inconvenienced. Even annoyed.
Today is a reminder for me to slow down a little. To have time for everyone, regardless of their attire or status. And it’s a reminder that our homeless shouldn’t be invisible.
We’re spending a record $182 million this year on specialist homelessness services and are expecting to assist 54,000 people. We have a long way to go. But I’m determined to make a difference in the lives of our most vulnerable.
Thanks to the 11 people who stopped today to buy a copy of The Big Issue. And thanks also to those who just stopped to smile and say hello… Scotty, my mate who sells the Big Issue every week, really appreciates it.
He’s a really good bloke who, along with many others, is trying to have a crack at getting back on his feet.
And he shouldn’t be invisible.
The post collected thousands of likes and hundreds of shares within an hour of going up, and people were largely supportive of the Premier’s message.
“Sadly I’ve always been one of those that lower my head and walk past. That has now changed. Thank you,” one commenter wrote.
“What I am most impressed to read is that you have been doing it for 6 years… not just today for the photo op! Impressive and most of all authentic, not something we say often about our elected officials. Well done to you. Imagine if the 5,000 people who like this post go out today and buy a copy!” another wrote.
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Top Comments
I get what he's saying and think he makes a valid point, but I deliberately avoid eye contact on the streets of Syd cbd with anyone trying to sell or give me stuff. Gym brochures, massage discounts, magazines, raffles. I don't avoid someone because they're homeless, employed or otherwise...I simply don't want to be stopped and talked into buying something I don't want or need. Sometimes avoiding sales people is practical, and is devoid of any malicious intent to make someone feel invisible.
This is not some random pest - this is 'The Big Issue' - they are clearly identified. You need to show some compassion.
Also, it's actually a pretty great magazine - I generally read just about all the articles and come away with stuff to think about.
Yeah, don't tell me what to do. Not buying something that I don't need doesn't make me "not compassionate". If you have the money to spend on magazines, fine, go do it, but don't try to emotionally blackmail me into it.
I have not worked in town for a while now. I really miss getting the Big Issue and the regular guy I used to buy it from and have a chat at Parliament Station. Hope he's doing well now.