New funding contract secures the future of community organisations

The future of 117 organisations across Queensland has been secured with the Queensland Government locking in $387 million in funding over five years.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said locking in funding for vital community services and groups for five years gave them certainty and made them better able to plan service provision and retain vital staff.

“This five-year funding provides organisations and community groups with the security and certainty they need, and ensures Queenslanders can access services and help when they need it most,” she said.

“The staff and volunteers at these organisations work hard every day to ensure Queenslanders have the support and services they need, and increasing their funding contracts from three years to five years is a step in the right direction.”

Ms Palaszczuk said the move to secure the future of community organisations is in stark contrast to the LNP, which cut more than $63 million from community organisations.

“The community sector was devastated by Tim Nicholls’ cuts with reduced services, uncertainty for staff and an unconscionable gag rule to stop organisations from advocating for the people they served,” Ms Palaszczuk.

“They cut millions from iconic organisations including $469,870 from Act for Kids which is based in Mr Nicholls electorate of Clayfield.

“They cut $342,463 from Lifeline Darling Downs and $1.5 million from Queensland Youth Services based in Townsville.

“Smaller organisations were also damaged as Tim Nicholls went on a cut, sack and sell rampage through Queensland’s community sector.

“Neighbourhood centres, domestic violence shelters and sexual assault counselling services all suffered under Tim Nicholls and the LNP.”

Communities Minister Shannon Fentiman said the organisations that secured five-year funding contracts include women’s health organisations and neighbourhood centres that play a vital role in the day-to-day lives of Queenslanders.

“But there are also organisations that respond to emergencies, like the Tableland Rape and Incest Crisis Centre which helps Queenslanders when they are at their most vulnerable and need somewhere to turn,” she said.

“That’s why it’s absolutely critical that we ensure the future of these organisations is as secure as it can be, so they can get on with the work they do helping Queenslanders.

“I’m really proud we have been able to play a part in securing these five-year funding contracts for so many organisations across the state.

“This funding provides certainty for their service delivery now and into the future.”

Ms Fentiman said she was proud to have secured funding of more than $387 million over five years for Queensland organisations.

She said the longer contracts would provide stability for the organisations’ workforces.

“Secure funding means these organisations and community groups can attract and retain staff into the future,” she said.

“We know this can be more challenging in regional areas, where I know these new five-year contracts are a particularly welcome boost.”

ENDS

Media Contact:       Michelle Wellington (Premier's office) 0437 323 834

                               Ron Goodman (Minister Fentiman's office) 0427 781 920