Palaszczuk Government committed to improving housing options for seniors

During Seniors Week 2016, the Palaszczuk Government has reaffirmed its commitment to easing cost of living pressures and creating more suitable and affordable housing options for older Queenslanders.

Seniors Minister Coralee O’Rourke said the Government’s new seniors strategy Queensland: an age-friendly community recognised that housing was one of the key issues identified by seniors.

“From speaking with seniors across the state, I know older Queenslanders can struggle to make ends meet, and that finding suitable housing can be a real challenge,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“That’s why this Government has taken action to address cost of living pressures and housing issues, through our new Queensland: an age-friendly community strategy for seniors,” she said.

“Our age-friendly action plan outlines a range of measures we are implementing across Government to make sure seniors have access to housing options that are affordable, accessible and close to transport and community services.

“This Government values seniors, and that’s why we made an election commitment to establish the Advisory Taskforce on the Residential Transition for Ageing Queenslanders to address these issues.

“I’m pleased to say the Taskforce will report back to Government by the end of this month on ways we can support older people to maintain control over how and where they live as they age.

“Over the past 18 months, I have been fighting hard to make sure our pensioners continue to receive their fair concessions, after the Nicholls/ Newman Government tried to slash them.

“The 2016–17 State Budget allocated $254.2 million for energy, rates, water and gas concessions, an increase of $13 million from the previous financial year, delivering on our election commitment.

“I will continue to work closely with Housing Minister Mick De Brenni to make sure our seniors get a fair go and to see our vision of an age-friendly Queensland become a reality.”

Housing Minister Mick De Brenni said the Government was committed to providing pathways for housing that are affordable, accessible and secure for seniors.

“We’ve been working hard to modernise our public housing portfolio, increasing the number of safe, accessible one and two bedroom units available to seniors,” Mr de Brenni said.

Mr de Brenni said it was also important to increase the accessibility and livability standards of private homes.

“Many of us buy or build our homes when we are young, without giving a thought to whether they will suit our needs in later life,” he said.

“We know that improving livability through the design of homes has a significant impact on the cost of living, particularly when it comes to energy and water consumption.

“That’s why quality of life for seniors will be a big focus of our new, ten year housing plan to be released later this year.”

For information on Queensland: an age-friendly community, visit www.qld.gov.au/agefriendlycommunity.

Media Contact: Minister O’Rourke’s office 3719 7170