Australia: The Big Issue Australia

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The good news is that the new (from Dec 2007) Australian Government has made tackling homelessness one of its priorities. The bad news is that in a relatively affluent country such as Australia there is still an estimated 100,000 people homeless on any night. Even more alarmingly, half are under 24 years old and one-tenth are children. Our vendors include people with mental illnesses, physical disabilities and many who have experienced long-term unemployment.

What was the impetus for establishing your street paper?

The Big Issue, Australia, was launched in Melbourne in June 1996 as a solution to the issue of homelessness in Australia. Since 1996 the magazine has now expanded its coverage and is now represented in most Australian states. The inspiration for the magazine came from The Big Issue UK which was launched in September 1991.

What impact has your street paper had?

The Big Issue has grown steadily over the past 12 years. Initially a Melbourne-only magazine, it is now a national publication. We are distributed in all but one of Australia's states. Significantly, at a time when print publications are supposedly struggling for sales in a digital age, our sales and readership figures have steadily increased.

We are about to post our five millionth sale (August 2008) - a remarkable achievement. Such growth suggests that not only are people ‘getting' The Big Issue message and regularly assisting vendors by buying the magazine, it is also becoming a publication that Australians seek out as a good read. Access to significant figures in the community is helped by our good name and widespread recognition of what we are trying to do.

Since the launch of The Big Issue, Australia, vendors have earned $7.5 million directly from magazine sales.  This demonstrates that homeless people can achieve and contribute when given the opportunity.  It's estimated that the impact of The Big Issue has saved the Australian Community over a $100 million.

What influence has your country's social/ economic/political situation had on your street paper?

The magazine tries assiduously not to be identified with any particular political party or cause. Our independence is something we must try to maintain. It is certainly true that the previous federal government of the past decade gave us something to push against, but we will not be reluctant to criticise the present government if it seems necessary. But, to be frank, we don't see ourselves as a political magazine. We are ‘different', edgy, sometimes irreverent and, importantly, lively. We have a particular voice and style, and that is part of our strength.

What direction do you see your street paper taking over the next five years?

The mission, simply, is to expand our readership and coverage and by doing so assist homeless and long-term unemployed people. We intend to explore models that will provide broader access and opportunity for those interested in being involved with The Big Issue. Most importantly, we have to keep producing a new edition every fortnight. If we can keep the magazine lively and relevant and interesting, then there's no reason for The Big Issue not to continue its steady growth. The Australian economic climate is difficult, as it is elsewhere, but the magazine is unique, both in its style and - most importantly - its means of distribution. We must continue to be different. While we maintain, and constantly improve, our presence on the web, the priority is the print publication, as this is the product our vendors sell.