Statewide network to improve response to homelessness

The Queensland Government is enhancing its response to homelessness with a commitment to improve communication channels between non-government service providers across the state.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt said from July, recurrent annual funding of $160,000 would support a new program of regional networking among services funded through the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP).

“SAAP is the primary response to homelessness across Australia under bilateral agreements between the Commonwealth, state and territory governments,” Mr Pitt said.

“Our strategic reform of SAAP requires consultative mechanisms that regularly engage Queensland’s 220 funded services.

“Effective networking among SAAP-funded organisations will contribute to more coordinated service delivery and the sharing of best-practice initiatives.”

Mr Pitt said the Department of Communities would fund the SAAP Sector Networking Strategy, as it would strengthen the sector’s capacity to deliver government services more efficiently.

“An effective regional networking strategy will help improve outcomes from the government’s significant investment in homelessness services,” Mr Pitt said.

“It will also enhance our ability to comprehensively document the progress Queensland has made during the current SAAP bilateral agreement.”

Departmental officers will develop a model for the SAAP Sector Networking Strategy in consultation with Ministerial Roundtable representatives.

An annual statewide meeting of SAAP-funded services will also be funded through the strategy.

Media contact: Peter Nibbs 3235 4280