Safe, secure and affordable
That is the title of the Public Advocate’s report and what we expect for our state’s most vulnerable citizens.
The Government has accepted the report’s one recommendation that the Parliament conduct an inquiry into the provision and regulation of supported accommodation in Queensland.
This is an opportunity to shine a light on this industry and listen to the voices of residents which will help inform a review of the Residential Services (Accreditation) Act.
In Queensland, Level 3 residential services provide accommodation and other services for people with complex support needs, coupled with impaired decision-making ability.
It is not lost on me that if my own brother did not have my mum or me, he may very well have had to rely on one of these services.
Ensuring that those most vulnerable in our community are given opportunities and supported is one of the reasons I got involved in politics and something I take very seriously.
As recommended in the report, we will seek to engage an independent non-government organisation to support residents to contribute their views on the services and support they receive.
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.
It is right and timely to look at the way this systems operates.
I want to thank the Public Advocate for his work on this matter and his commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable Queenslanders and to all staff who assisted in the preparation of this report.
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.
