• The Palaszczuk Government will conduct a parliamentary inquiry into residential services following a Public Advocate report tabled in Parliament
• The report focussed on supported accommodation (level 3 residential services) and the changing nature of the system with the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme

Safe, secure and affordable?

That is the title of the Public Advocates report and what the Palaszczuk Government expects for some of Queensland’s most vulnerable citizens.

The government has accepted the report’s one recommendation: the Queensland Parliament should conduct an inquiry into the provision and regulation of supported accommodation in Queensland.

It is important to ensure people living in supported accommodation are living in safe, secure and affordable homes and have access to the supports they need.

In Queensland, 46 level 3 residential services provide housing plus supports like personal care, and often food services, for more than 1,500 people living with a disability, mental health concerns or issues related to drug and alcohol use.

The report looked at these services and included input from a range of stakeholders, including people with lived experience and their advocates.

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability and the NDIS Review are also currently examining issues directly related to people with disability and are likely to address supported accommodation.

There is potential for the outcomes of the Disability Royal Commission and NDIS Review to inform the Parliamentary Inquiry.

Last financial year, the Department of Housing conducted 203 investigations into residential services and responded to 278 enquiries.

As a result, 41 service providers were issued with Warning Notices and seven were issued with Quality Improvement Plans.

The department has conducted follow up visits and all of these issues have been resolved.

Quotes attributable to Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon:

“This is an opportunity to shine the light on this industry and listen to the voices of residents which will help inform a review of the Residential Services (Accreditation) Act.

“If there are any gaps or ways the system needs to improve, I want to know about it so we can act on it immediately.

“It is important to listen to the real experiences provided during the report process and during the inquiry to ensure we have the right supports and legislative framework to protect some of the state’s most marginalised citizens.”

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078