Hon. MAJ SCANLON (Gaven—ALP) (Minister for Housing) (10.44 am): While we get on with our big housing build, we are also taking action to help those in need with immediate support and accommodation. Thirteen interest rate rises by the RBA and record interstate migration have put pressure on Queensland households. That is why we are providing financial support for renters to stay in their home; buying hotels, motels and former retirement villages; and providing critical funding for homelessness services right across our state.
In inner-city Brisbane we have stood up a dedicated team led by the Department of Housing and working with groups like Micah Projects, Mission Australia and Brisbane Youth Service to help those most in need. Since the team was formed, 290 people who were rough sleepers in Brisbane now have a safe place to stay. We have been able to help people find their own home or provide emergency accommodation at places like Roma House. We have purchased a 23-room hotel that is helping families experiencing homelessness or fleeing domestic and family violence, with many more on the way. I want to acknowledge the work of the Department of Housing team and organisations right across the city that are out there every night helping people who are doing it tough.
I recently visited Roma House to see the work that goes on behind the scenes to help vulnerable Queenslanders—Queenslanders like Glen, who, after experiencing homelessness, is now the proud tenant of a social home and working hard to become employed once again; or Rory, who was living in a tent in Musgrave Park. The Department of Housing and Micah Projects worked together to quickly find Rory a one-bedroom unit and he is now in Greenslopes. Micah Projects provided Rory with a range of essential items like a kettle, microwave and sheets, and I hear he is very happy living in his new unit.
As we build new homes, so, too, are we providing immediate support for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Tackling the impacts of national pressures on homelessness and housing stress is no easy task. It is one that, as we have seen with our inner-city Brisbane response, requires all levels of government and organisations to work together. We will continue to take action to help people like Glen and Rory—the names and faces behind the statistics
