Media Release.
| Friday, 24 May 2013 |
| Queensland Senator Jan McLucas said the Australian Government has
offered a $2.5 million package to the Queensland Government so that
critical advice and advocacy services to vulnerable tenants can continue
for another six months. Visiting the Tenants Union of Queensland's North Queensland office today, Senator McLucas said the local service has been critical in helping tenants in the Cairns region keep a roof over their head and avoid becoming homeless. "The Newman Government cut this important service last year, leaving Queenslanders without critical tenancy advice and advocacy services. "The Australian Government stepped in and provided emergency support to ensure the services could continue. "Like so many of Campbell Newman's decisions, cutting this important community service is so short-sighted. They seem to have no regard for the people affected." Providers' contracts end on 30 June 2013 but the Newman Government has refused to budge on its decision to de-fund the service. The service is recognised as a core state and territory responsibility — every other jurisdiction in Australia funds tenant advice and advocacy services. Last month all states and territories agreed in principle to continue providing these services. Mr Butler said the loss of this service would hurt most for older Australians, people with a disability and people living in caravan parks who are most vulnerable. "The most effective way to reduce homelessness is to prevent people becoming homeless in the first place and services such as QTAAS help to do exactly that," Mr Butler said. "The Commonwealth has stepped in to try and find a solution in good faith but we can't do all the heavy lifting ourselves – at some point the Newman Government, who are actually responsible for delivering these services, have to stand up." The Gillard Labor Government had invested an unprecedented $26 billion in housing and homelessness since coming to government. |
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