Media Release by The Hon Christian Porter MP

$115 million for Queensland’s homeless services

Joint Media Release with:

  • The Hon Leeanne Enoch MP, Queensland Government's Minister for Housing and Public Works

Queensland’s frontline homelessness services, especially those assisting homeless young people and the victims of domestic violence, will benefit from around $115 million over the next two years in joint federal and state funding.

The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments have signed the state’s project plan under the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness (NPAH).

Minister for Social Services, the Hon Christian Porter MP said the Commonwealth Government would contribute $57.4 million as its part of the deal.

“Women, children and young people are particularly vulnerable to homelessness, and that is why services focusing on these groups are prioritized under the NPAH,” Mr Porter said.

“Australia will not tolerate domestic and family violence, and we will not turn a blind eye to these women and their children, nor to young people, when they are at their most vulnerable and need help.

“I am delighted to sign the Queensland plan, and see the funding flow to the services which the state government has identified.”

Queensland’s Minister for Housing and Public Works, Leeanne Enoch MP, said the state is taking a whole of government approach to supporting frontline services, addressing homelessness across a range of human services, including housing, health, child safety and disability services.

“The state is matching the $57.4 million in Commonwealth funds for the next two years for these crucial programs, which provide people with shelter, support and dignity.”

“The NPAH builds on the Queensland Government’s commitment to wide ranging reforms and strategies to end domestic and family violence following the landmark report ‘Not Now, Not Ever’ – Putting an End to Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland.

Minister Enoch said NPAH services will be provided throughout Queensland, and include expanding successful outreach and support to get people who are chronically homelessness into stable housing.

Services to receive NPAH funding include:

  • Enhanced immediate services for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence with services in Brisbane and Townsville
  • Common Ground Brisbane, combining affordable, stable, long term housing with 24 hour on-site support for previously homeless tenants and those earning low incomes
  • Mobile Support Services for young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
  • Mobile Support Services for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence
  • Housing Matters and My Money, which helps families, in particular Indigenous families, gain the necessary skills so they can become private tenants.

The Commonwealth Government has now signed project plans with all the states and territories.

For further information on the NPAH, see https://www.dss.gov.au/housing-support/programmes-services/national-partnership-agreement-on-homelessness

http://www.hpw.qld.gov.au/Housing/Homelessness/Pages/NationalPartnershipAgreement.aspx