A group designed to guide the Queensland Government’s response to homelessness has held its first meeting.
State Housing Minister Sam O’Connor said the Homelessness Ministerial Advisory Council (HMAC) would regularly bring together frontline service providers, community housing leaders and Government agencies to provide coordinated, evidence-based advice on reducing homelessness.
“It will give a real-time picture of homelessness challenges and responses across the State providing a regular direct line of communication to senior government leaders including in health and housing,” Minister O’Connor said.
He said the Council would strengthen decision-making, guide policy development, and improve coordination between services and agencies as the Government looks to deliver:
- One million homes by 2044, including 53,500 new social and community homes.
- A trial of a new Master Agreement with Community Housing Providers to cut red tape and accelerate delivery.
- A $365.4 million investment in homelessness funding this financial year to support more than 92 frontline organisations.
- A 20 percent uplift in funding for Specialist Homelessness Services throughout this term.
“The social housing waitlist (has) soared to almost 50,000 people and we have almost 5000 Queenslanders currently stuck in temporary and emergency accommodation.
“We are reforming our delivery model to ramp up to building over 2000 social and affordable homes per year.”
Minister O’Connor said 5000 new social and affordable homes were under contract or under construction at the moment.
“But we know homelessness is a far more complex issue than just providing a safe place to stay. That’s why we’ve created the Homelessness Ministerial Advisory Council—to look at short, medium, and long-term solutions right across Queensland.”
Logan-based YFS Ltd CEO Christopher John based said HMAC marked an important first step toward elevating perspectives in the State’s homelessness response.
“We’re seeing too many young people, families, and older individuals falling through the cracks.” Mr John said.
“HMAC gives YFS and others a seat at the table to shape solutions that understand the lived experience of those facing housing insecurity and homelessness.
“This Ministerial Council ensures that on-the-ground service providers, who work every day with people experiencing homelessness, can provide valuable perspectives – and if we’re serious about change these views are exactly what needs to be heard.”
QShelter CEO Fiona Caniglia said HMAC had the potential to drive collaboration across sectors and strengthen statewide responses.
“The housing crisis requires all parts of the system working together. HMAC is a critical opportunity to ensure that the policies developed translate into effective and sustainable solutions, now and in the future” Ms Caniglia said.
CHIA CEO Julie Saunders emphasised the value of closer engagement between the Government and the community housing sector to accelerate housing outcomes.
“Community housing providers are ready to deliver,” Ms Saunders said.
“Cutting red tape and involving the sector early will help us fast-track housing where it’s needed most—and that’s what the Council can enable.”
