Prioritising cost of living for vulnerable Queenslanders

• $2.3 billion for child and family services
• $3.7 billion for seniors and disability services
• $21 million for multicultural affairs

The Miles Government’s 2024–25 State Budget will provide real, practical help and cost-of-living relief for our most vulnerable Queenslanders.

This includes young people, seniors, carers, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The Budget does this through an investment of $2.3 billion for child and family services, $3.7 billion for seniors and disability services, and $21 million for multicultural affairs.

This includes an extra $190.8 million over four years to enable more foster and kinship carers to receive financial support for looking after children with complex and high support needs.

Pressures created by increased cost of living will also be addressed through an extra $31.8 million over five years and $7.9 million a year for the Extended Post Care Support program.

This provides financial support for young people leaving care up to their 21st birthday, whether they remain with their carer families or live independently.

The Putting Queensland Kids First strategy also features strongly with a $9 million investment over two years for Safe Pathways trials.

This funding is for early intervention and support programs and pathways for women with young children at risk of becoming involved with the child safety system.

There is also an extra $2 million over two years to trial a Family Connections program in two locations, where clinicians will work with families at home and connect them with the right services when they need them.

In the disability area, more than $160 million has been allocated in extra funding for better services and supports as an initial response to recommendations of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability and the NDIS review.

A further $7.5 million over two years is being invested to continue disability supports for children with autism.

In the Multicultural Affairs budget, there is $21 million to continue strengthening community cohesion.

This includes the Asylum Seeker and Refugee Program; the Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma; and the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland grants program.

Under the Community Safety Plan for Queensland, there is also $5.7 million over two years for a pilot family reunification service for children aged 12 to 15.

Senior Queenslanders are also important when it comes to needing help with the increased cost of living.

That’s why this budget includes $1 billion in concessions and rebates on energy, utilities and rates bills, and the Cost of Living Rebate.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“As Premier, I am committed to pursuing reforms to make the lives of Queenslanders living with a disability better.

“This investment will support those living with a disability in the community, and people who support them.

“We will continue to work with the Australian Government to progress reforms to ensure all people have the supports they need.”

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick:

“Strong communities support their most vulnerable citizens, and the Miles Government is proud to be investing in services that help Queenslanders who need it most.

“This is also a budget that recognises the key role multiculturalism plays in the vibrant Queensland story, and provides support for the events and organisations that promote and celebrate that strength.

“The investments we’re making in this Budget will pay dividends for our diverse and inclusive society.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs Charis Mullen:

“This is a carefully considered Budget, which provides practical help for Queenslanders living with increased cost-of-living pressures.

“We want to put more money in the pockets of all Queenslanders and this Budget will provide significant relief to just about every home in the state.

“It’s a Budget that recognises and responds to the challenges being experienced by our most vulnerable Queenslanders.

“And it works to empower, encourage and protect us all.“

ENDS