THE QUEENSLAND STATE GOVERNMENT BUDGET 2021-2022 – HOMELESSNESS

Firstly, the Council to Homeless Persons Queensland would like to congratulate the Queensland government on a well-thought-out budget.
At first read, it is very clear that housing and health have a major focus in this budget. The Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2021–25 provides $1.908 billion over four years to boost housing supply and increase housing and homelessness support across Queensland.

The Action Plan 2021-25 will see 6,365 new social and affordable homes before June 30 2025, this will be welcome news for vulnerable people needing much-needed housing support. “We feel that this spend will be crucial in making sure that Queenslanders can have a place to call home,” Executive Officer, Stephen Simpson said.

Integrated frontline support is also a focus of this budget with a commitment to equip the sector with a stronger workforce to support those with complex needs.

Also highlighted in the new Action Plan is a recognition for the need for coordination across agencies, with the announcement of a co-designed community based multi-disciplinary case management framework to support those who are homeless. CHPQ have long pointed out
the need for this to take place, with the growing complexity of clients who present to the homeless services.

CHPQ also welcomes the spend in the domestic and family violence sector with a much-needed boost to enhance frontline responses with a specialist response team to support those who are victims of violence.

Again, we congratulate Minister Enoch on a well-thought-out plan with a vision. CHPQ is looking forward to working with the Government as they start the roll out of the strategies mentioned yesterday.

Stephen Simpson
Executive Officer
Council to Homeless Persons Queensland
stephenjsimpson@chpq.org.au