The Queensland government will inject almost $390 million into homelessness services as part of its Homes for Queenslanders plan, providing a 20 per cent funding increase to frontline organisations over the next 18 months.
Premier Steven Miles said the additional funding was aimed at strengthening crisis accommodation and long-term housing support for those experiencing homelessness. He said the initiative was essential to ensuring vulnerable Queenslanders had access to safe and secure housing.
“We need to support our homelessness organisations so they can deliver better services and help people transition from sleeping rough to permanent accommodation,” he said.
As part of the package, the government will introduce a two-worker model for six after-hours Specialist Homelessness Services, a move long advocated by sector organisations and unions.
An independent review of the state’s homelessness services will also be conducted, led by senior public servant Rachel Hunter PSM. The review will assess the effectiveness of current programs and identify areas for improvement, with a focus on urban, regional, rural and remote communities.
Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick said the funding boost reflected the government’s commitment to supporting those at risk of homelessness.
“It’s heartbreaking to know some Queenslanders are forced to sleep rough or face the threat of homelessness,” he said. “We are increasing spending by 20 per cent to ensure frontline services can help those in need while also continuing to invest in social and affordable housing.”
Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said rising interest rates and record interstate migration had intensified pressure on Queensland’s housing sector.
“We are experiencing significant demand on homelessness services, and that’s why we are providing this additional funding,” she said. “While we deliver our Big Housing Build, we also need to support services on the ground.”
The Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) and housing advocacy group Q Shelter welcomed the announcement, describing it as a much-needed boost for a sector under significant strain.
QCOSS CEO Aimee McVeigh said the funding would help more families move out of cars, tents and temporary accommodation into secure housing.
