Springborg’s crazy cutbacks could put more people on the street

Minister for Public Works, Housing and ICT Robert Schwarten said Lawrence Springborg’s three per cent efficiency dividend would take vital housing services from those who need them the most and could force some onto the streets.

Mr Schwarten said National’s policy would mean the loss of some 500 jobs across the Departments of Public Works and Housing.

“Lawrence Springborg’s crazy cutbacks would rip a combined total of $40 million from Housing and Public Works,” he said.

“For the Department of Housing there would be fewer housing officers and call centre workers to help those in the greatest need of housing to get a roof over their head.

“These cutbacks would place more pressure on our officers and will result in more people becoming homeless.

“In the Department of Public Works job cuts would affect QBuild workers and apprentices, the future of our workforce.

“QBuild provides essential maintenance to schools and housing and Springborg’s crazy cuts would mean these assets will depreciate as a result.

“QBuild also provides immediate assistance in emergency situations such as flooding.”

Mr Schwarten said programs such as the ones listed below could also be on Mr Springborg’s hit list.

• $14.5 million Home Assist/Secure Program which assists people over 60 or people with a disability to stay in their own home
• $25 million rural and remote program to improve housing in indigenous communities
• $40 million from the capital works program to construct social housing stock across Queensland

“Which of those programs or jobs does the National’s Leader think are de-necessary?”

“I call on National Party candidates to tell the elderly in their electorates that they do not support program such as Home Assist/Home Secure.

“At the end of the day the three per cent cut to housing will have to come from somewhere and given the National Party’s abysmal record in looking after vulnerable people it would be my bet that that’s where they would start,” Mr Schwarten said.

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