BILL'S STORY
Dignity is a human right
If this apathy can happen to an elderly disabled pensioner in Cleveland - what about you?
In November 2024, 62 year old Bill Bailey lost his rental to a renovation and has since been priced out of the rental market.
For medical reasons - Bill slept upright on a comfortable Cleveland Library park bench, until it was suddenly removed without warning. Why or how much it cost to remove - is unknown.
Today, now 63, Bill sleeps in the same spot - minus the library park bench - this time on an undignified upended shopping trolley, directly across the street from the Redland City Council and some 200m from the offices of both State and Federal MPs:
- Hon Amanda Stoker MP, QLD Assist. Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training. A former barrister and Federal Senator.
- Henry Pike MP, Federal House of Reps, Human Rights served from 27.11.2023 to 29.11.2023; Human Rights served as Deputy Chair from 29.11.2023 to 28.3.2025
Bill has been hospitalised four times in the last 16 months and is deteriorating quickly.
Bill has no vices - no drugs, no gambling, no alcohol.
Bill been dangerously left behind by his politicians entrusted to protect him.
Bill needs public housing immediately.
Homeless since he was 62 - disabled pensioner - what if it were you?
Watch Bill's reality in 59 secs
See how Bill sleeps on a shopping trolley
Bill explains his terror on the street
Open Letters
2024-11-01
Bill's first terrifying night on the street.
After losing his rental - disabled Bill slept in terror on the bench at Cleveland Art Centre. The security guard said he can't stop you from being on a bench.
2024-11-03
Bill moves to sleep on a Cleveland Library park bench
For medical reasons Bill moved to the safety of night lights at the Cleveland library - and sleeps on the library park bench across the street from the Redland City Council.
2025-05-15
Bill's safe Cleveland Library park bench suddenly removed
Without warning the Redland City Council removes Bills comfortable public park bench - which kept Bill upright while he sleeps for medical reasons. Bill asked City Council "why - the community needs its benches. Where do we sit when it rains?"
2026-09-07
Bill's bed the shopping trolley is continually moved away
Bill believes someone from City Council starts to move his trolley away some 100m. Bill's medical condition makes it painful to walk. This added stress beat down on Bill's dignity and strength during his terrifying nightly sleeps.
2026-01-01
Bill's Bed - the Shopping Trolley stops being moved
Bill recalls being grateful his shopping trolley he needs to sleep upright on - suddenly stops being moved.
2026-01-11
Hospitalisation #4: Golden Staph and Cellulitis
2026-03-16
Today
Bill is still unhoused.
Despite terror and painful hardship - watch Bill's gratitude - incredible
God is looking out for me
Bill thinks kids have more compassion than politicians
Bill says thank you
Engaging provisions of the Queensland Human Rights Act 2019:
| s. 16 | Right to life | Sleeping rough and exposed with a disability. The government has a duty to take reasonable steps to protect life from known and immediate risks. |
| s. 17 | Protection from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment | 16 months without effective intervention. |
| s. 19 | Freedom of movement | Constituent Mr Bailey has the right to choose where he lives. He should not be forced out of his community to access emergency housing. |
| s. 25 | Privacy and reputation | A man sleeping on a shopping trolley in a public space has been stripped of all privacy and dignity. |
| s. 29 | Right to liberty and security of person | Not receiving necessary support / no housing. QLD ought to take reasonable steps to ensure the physical safety of people in known danger of harm. |
| s. 58 | Conduct of public entities | Public entities must act compatibly with human rights and give proper consideration to human rights when making decisions. Ms Stoker's electorate office is a public entity. |