Homes for Queenslanders: massive financial boost for state’s homelessness services

• Miles Government releases first part of Homes for Queenslanders with $390 million in additional funding for homelessness services
• Every specialist homelessness service in the state will receive a 20 per cent increase in funding
• Independent review to also look at opportunities for improvement across the sector, headed by Ms Rachel Hunter

The Miles Labor Government has kicked off its bold new housing plan: Homes for Queenslanders, revealing it will dramatically increase funding for homelessness responses across the state.

Organisations who help Queenslanders experiencing homelessness will receive a 20 per cent increase for the next 18 months to meet demand for frontline and specialist homelessness services as part of an almost $390 million increase in funding for homelessness support.

We’re also making sure there are more people working on the coalface, with Homes for Queenslanders also funding and supporting a two-worker model for six after-hours Specialist Homelessness Services – something organisations and unions have been calling for.

In addition to a mammoth boost in funding, an independent review will also take place of the whole homelessness service system.

The Review will assess the effectiveness of Queensland’s current response to homelessness and opportunities for improvement, including for people living in urban, rural, regional and remote Queensland.

The independent reviewer will be Ms Rachel Hunter PSM.

Ms Hunter has been selected for her extensive experience in senior government roles and passion in the homelessness service space.

Her credentials will ensure that the review is carried out by a professional who possesses the necessary expertise and experience in the field of complex government delivery and housing and homelessness services.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“Everyone deserves a place to call home, a place they feel safe and warm.

“I made it clear that in order to address our state’s housing needs, Homes for Queenslanders needs to address five key pillars.

“For those who fall through the cracks - we need to support our homelessness organisations so they can deliver better services and get people who are sleeping rough into crisis accommodation, and eventually into permanent places to call home.

“I have seen and heard from Queenslanders who are struggling with the cost-of-living, which is affecting people right across the country.

“This funding will go directly to the organisations and the tireless workers at the coalface, who already know the sector and have developed programs and services to target needs.”

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick:

“It’s heartbreaking to know some Queenslanders are forced to sleep rough, or are facing the threat of homelessness.

“Queenslanders don’t just walk by when people need help, which is why our government is stepping up when more assistance is required.

“It’s why we are increasing our spending on homelessness services by 20 per cent, as part of a $390 million package to help these Queenslanders in need, and the incredible community organisations that support them.

“Meanwhile, we are continuing to do our part to provide more social and affordable housing across our state.

“We are only able to do this because of our strong budget position and Queensland’s robust economy.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing Meaghan Scanlon:

“Every Queenslander deserves safe, secure, and affordable housing.

“National pressures from rising interest rates and record interstate migration continue to put pressure on housing.

“This is a complex issue. We are currently experiencing significant demand on homelessness services and that’s why we are providing this additional funding.

“While we deliver our Big Housing Build, we also need to support services on the ground and that’s what this funding will do.

“I commend and welcome Ms Hunter who will undertake the Independent Review and I look forward to receiving the findings.  I trust that the outcomes will bring about further opportunities for improvements in the provision of services delivered to vulnerable Queenslanders.”

Quotes attributable to CEO of the Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS), Aimee McVeigh:

“Specialist Homelessness Services are on the front line of Queensland’s housing crisis and right now they are under pressure, the likes of which they have not experienced before.

"The sector has been calling for a 20% uplift in funding so they can get more families out of cars, tents and hotels and on track to safe and secure permanent housing.

"This is a significant win for our sector, for those on the frontline, and will be welcome news for so many Queenslanders doing it tough."

Quotes attributable to QShelter’s Fiona Caniglia:

“Q Shelter is pleased to see a 20 per cent increase to funding for specialist homelessness services. We need to take the pressure of hard-working services and front-line staff while making sure people can access the help they need.

“We have called for an increase in funding to specialist homelessness services and this will go a long way to ensure more people have the help they need to end their homelessness.”

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz – 0420 592 078 and Robyn Wuth - 0461 555 208