Communications minister Malcolm Turnbull says he's worried homelessness has slipped off the national political agenda.
Mr Turnbull, along with 1200 CEOs across the country, spent Thursday sleeping rough at the 10th annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout with some bare essentials - a beanie, sleeping bag, some sheets of cardboard, and a cup of soup and bread for dinner.
He says he's concerned homelessness has slipped from the national political agenda.
"The answer is yes," he told the ABC in response to a question.
"It is a very real concern and it should be a big priority, and it is a big priority. But it's a multi-faceted problem. There are issues, aspects about employment, training, mental health, affordable housing and I think this event ... is an outstanding event because it raises awareness of the issue and also raises a lot of money."
Earlier in Sydney, 280 CEOs heard from Governor General Peter Cosgrove who said Survivors of domestic violence should not be forced out on to the street.
The 280 CEOs who gathered for a rainy night at Luna Park heard testimonies from those who have experienced homelessness and an address from Governor General Peter Cosgrove, who said the executives can only begin to imagine the harsh reality of life on the street from this one night.
"This year's focus is on women's homelessness and domestic violence. We cannot, and must not, turn a blind eye to domestic violence," he said, urging those gathered to do more with their power and influence to create change.
"We cannot let survivors stay on the streets."
On Thursday participants were not allowed choose all of the winter warmers. Instead they were given a limited amount of fake money to pick what they deemed necessary.
For Blackmores CEO Christine Holgate, this puts into harsh perspective all those people who don't have a choice.
"Thirty thousand people sleeping homeless tonight are actually children," she said.
"We're fortunate. Tomorrow we'll get up, we might be a bit damp but we'll go home to a nice warm bed. These kids won't."
Women and children make up a large proportion of homeless people, according to Coca-Cola Amatil CEO Alison Watkins.
"(It's) because of domestic violence situations where they feel they have to leave a relationship and they've got nowhere to go," she said, adding that homelessness could happen to anyone.
It's also very easy to make a difference to these people and get their lives back on track, she said
So far this year, the sleepout has raised more than $5 million.
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