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The Palaszczuk government’s new Towards ending homelessness for young Queenslanders 2022–27 policy and framework has been underpinned by $29.8 million in the recent state budget intended to give young Queenslanders improved access to advice and services.
The $29.8 million investment will be allocated to several areas including:
- $2.1 million to enhance information on homelessness and housing assistance for young people to promote earlier access to services
- $2.8 million towards the delivery of a program of housing with onsite support in Brisbane to help families before they come into contact with the youth justice system. This is also supported by the construction of 38 housing units under the Queensland Housing Investment Growth Initiative
- $9.6 million for immediate supported accommodation services for young people
- $3.4 million for flexible financial housing assistance for youth when transitioning from supported accommodation
- $7 million towards additional homelessness services that provide coordinated support to young people, specifically for young First Nations peoples
- $1.6 million to support young pregnant or parenting women to provide them with secure housing
- $3.3 million for new specialist housing workers to assist youth in gaining and maintaining safe, secure and affordable housing with additional support
Housing Minister Leeanne Enoch said a key priority for the state government was to “deliver better services for all Queenslanders right across the state”.
“Addressing homelessness is about more than putting a roof over someone’s head,” Ms Enoch stated.
“It’s about providing support services to address the underlying causes of homelessness and allowing people to form connections to their local community.
“If we can address those underlying causes for young Queenslanders, that can have positive impacts across the rest of their lives.”
Minister for Youth Affairs Meaghan Scanlon stated that young people played a crucial role in the development of this strategy.
“Young people are the future of Queensland. They are key agents for social change, economic growth and technological innovation,” Ms Scanlon said.
“Their security and prosperity relies on them having the skills and knowledge to lead our communities and drive our economy.
“This policy sets the strategic priorities and direction needed for young Queenslanders to find and keep housing.”
Earlier this year, Queensland Deputy Premier Dr Steven Miles directed the state’s Housing Supply Expert Panel to address the various housing challenges across the state.
The panel was directed to provide advice about what more councils should do to address housing supply, stating at the time that affordability and housing supply should be the “number one priority” of local government.
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