Mr. David Smith MP will be participating in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout on the evening of the 18^th of June 2026.

Being hosted at the Museum of Australian Democracy, this year marks the 12^th consecutive year in which Mr. Smith has participated in the Sleepout, having personally raised a total of over $55,000 for St Vincent de Paul Society to support Australians in need.

The Albanese Labor Government is taking action to help address this crisis by:

• Investing almost $60 million to supplement rental income for community housing providers. This investment is delivering social housing for over 4,000 young people aged 16 to 24 who are in receipt of the away-from-home rate of the youth allowance or Abstudy and who are at risk of or are experiencing homelessness.
• Delivering 55,000 social and affordable homes right across the country, releasing a further $100 million from the Housing Australia Future Fund to improve the quality of housing for First Nations Australians in remote communities.
• Investing $31 million over two years into the Homelessness Access Program to deliver health care to Australians experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

Quotes attributable to David Smith MP, Member for Bean

“We all know how cold the nights can get in Canberra, often dropping down to minus-six degrees. Ultimately, that isn't too bad for those of us who have a warm home to return to. But, as we know, not everyone is that fortunate.

“Over 1,500 people are estimated to be experiencing homelessness in the ACT. It's important to note that the homeless aren't simply those who are out on the streets. It has been estimated that 15 per cent of homeless people rely on couch surfing with family, friends and acquaintances so that they have a safe place to sleep. 

“Homelessness is a challenging issue, and it requires government leadership, great NGOs to invest their time and whole communities coming together to help address it—and the generosity of our community in supporting events like the Vinnies sleep-out.

“I hope all those that are able to get behind this and other charitable causes, because it’s when we come together as a community that we drive real impactful change.”