LNP Must Ensure TAAS Services Continue

Media Release. 

Shadow Housing Minister Jo-Ann Miller says the Newman Government must provide funding to ensure more than 20 Tenant Advice and Advocacy Services (TAAS) across Queensland keep their doors open beyond June 30.

“TAAS services have proved their worth as a source of information and advice for tenants who might otherwise be ripped off by unscrupulous landlords,” Mrs Miller said.

“I am calling on the new Housing Minister Tim Mander to reverse the previous Minister’s decision last year to axe these services.

“Following the LNP government’s decision to cut these frontline services in July 2012 the federal government intervened to provide $3.3 million in emergency funding until 30 June 2013.

“This has allowed TAAS services to keep their doors open and provide free information and advice on affordable housing, maintenance of properties, rent increases, assistance with going to court when meditation has failed and enquiries about rent arrears.

“TAAS also ensures tenants better understand their rights and responsibilities under Queensland laws.”

Mrs Miller said Mr Mander must now provide funds to ensure frontline TAAS services continued beyond the end of the financial year.

“I understand the federal government is requiring Queensland to provide ongoing funding for tenant advice as a way to potentially cut homelessness and I urge Mr Mander to include TAAS funding as part of this strategy.”

Mrs Miller said TAAS services operated in:

·         Brisbane — New Farm, Stafford, West End, Wynnum,  Acacia Ridge, Zillmere

·         Logan

·         the Gold Coast

·         Ipswich

·         the Sunshine Coast — Gympie and Nambour

·         Bundaberg

·         Central Queensland — Gladstone and Rockhampton

·         Toowoomba

·         Roma

·         Mackay

·         Proserpine

·         Townsville

·         Far North Queensland — Cairns and Atherton

·         Mt Isa.

“TAAS was previously funded through a portion of the interest generated from tenant bonds held by the Residential Tenancies Authority to ensure that tenants across Queensland have the best possible support available,” she said.