$44 million for tenant advice service

• Palaszczuk Government has committed $44.4M to continue tenant support service for another five years
• Queensland Statewide Tenant Advice and Referral Service (QSTARS) is operated by Tenants Queensland in partnership with local organisations across the state
• Provides an advice and referral service for all Queensland renters
• It adds to supports provided by the government like bond loans, subsidies and rental grants, as well as $5 billion for social and affordable housing – the largest investment in Queensland’s history – to help deliver 13,500 homes

The Palaszczuk Government has approved funding of $44.4 million over five years to Tenants Queensland to continue QSTARS, which provides renters with a free and independent advice and referral service.

Since 2015, QSTARS has been providing information to tenants on their rights and responsibilities, support to resolve tenancy issues and assistance when talking to landlords or property managers.

The service was established after the LNP cut funding to tenancy support services across Queensland, and rejected Federal Government funding for it at the time.

QSTARS also provides targeted resources and assistance for vulnerable renters who may require more intensive support to achieve positive outcomes in tenancy matters, such as help to prepare for a QCAT hearing or referrals to other support services.

The Department of Housing is working with Tenants Queensland to finalise the agreement.

Quotes attributable to Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon:

“While we build more social and affordable homes and deliver reforms to ensure our renting system is fair it’s important tenants know their rights. 

“I want to make sure that renters have access to advice or assistance when they need it.

“Around 120,000 Queenslander households are assisted through QSTARS each year.

“We support the work they do unlike the LNP who not only cut funding to tenancy support services, they took the extraordinary step of actually rejecting Federal Government funding.

“QSTARS complements our private rental market supports – including Bond Loans, rental grants/subsidies and the RentConnect service – which are helping to keep a roof over the heads of Queenslanders and families.”

Quotes to be attributed to Penny Carr, CEO Tenants Queensland:

“Tenants Queensland is delighted and honoured to continue our important work supporting renting households across Queensland.

“Right now is a trying time for many households and it makes a difference to them knowing there is an independent advisory service to provide professional advice and support, specifically targeted to their needs as renters.

“We thank the Queensland Government for their continued support for the Queensland Statewide Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service and Tenants Queensland.”

Further information:

The service is managed by Tenants Queensland (TQ) along with seven regional partner organisations: the Advocacy and Support Centre; Community Plus; Enhance Care; Suncoast Community Legal Service; Ipswich Regional Advocacy Service; The Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre; and Mackay Regional Community Legal Centre.

The QSTARS state-wide advice line is available on 1300 744 263.

It is open from 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday, with extended hours to 7pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

For more information on QSTARS visit qstars.org.au

Queenslanders who need housing or homelessness support can also call the Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753 or visit their local Housing Service Centre.

To find the nearest Housing Service Centre, visit https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/public-community-housing/housing-service-centre.

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078