The Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) has called this week an historic moment in Queensland’s history as it welcomed the LNP’s new housing policy.
Queensland now leads the country in its bipartisan and ambitious response to the housing crisis.
QCOSS CEO Aimee McVeigh described the pledge to build 53,500 new social homes and to increase the funding for specialist homelessness services as the right thing to do and welcomed a bipartisan approach to grappling with Queensland’s unabating housing crisis.
“The great Australian dream of owning your own home doesn’t mean a tent or car. Right now, families across the state are living in motel and hotel rooms, rents are rising, and people are waiting for years for social housing. This is a crisis that requires a long-term strategy that is sustained regardless of a possible change in government,” Ms McVeigh said
“We are heartened to see the policy by the LNP that promises to deliver the same social housing targets as the Queensland Government as well as extending increases to funding for specialist homelessness services across current contracts.
“Implementation of the Queensland Government’s Homes for Queenslanders plan will start to shift the dial on the housing crisis, and it is a relief to hear that if the LNP wins government in October key initiatives in this plan will be continued.
QCOSS’ recently released “Breaking Ground” report estimates about 150,000 households in Queensland continue to be unable to access affordable housing. Outside of Brisbane, low-income families living in regional locations like Gladstone, Mackay, and Rockhampton are particularly vulnerable, with pandemic price rises coming on top of pre-existing rental stress.
QCOSS is calling on both sides of government not to overlook renters, many of whom are on the brink of homelessness.
“To make a real difference for renters, both the Queensland Government and State Opposition need to commit to putting a cap on the cost of renting and end unfair evictions,” Ms McVeigh said.
Ms McVeigh added QCOSS was looking forward to more LNP policies to address the cost-of-living crisis.