We call on all concerned community members including Queensland’s 1.5 million tenants to act on the issue of funding for the Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service (TAASQ) Program.  Please contact your local MP to insist that funding certainty is restored to these independent and important services and tenants’re-gain benefit from their bond interest through re-instating TAASQ.  This is a Call to Action – we don’t just need you to take an interest but we need you to act as quickly as possible please!

1. Contact your local MP and complain
2. Send a letter – templates are available here
3. Ring a radio station
4. Write on a blog
5. Write to a letter to an editor

In mid 2012, the new Queensland government was talking about the need for effective and efficient community services; front line services that did not burden the taxpayer. On July 24, then Minister for Housing and Public Works, Dr Bruce Flegg, announced that the long standing TAASQ Program would be discontinued.

Media reporting on public service cuts seemed to divert attention from some pertinent facts regarding this decision; one that has widespread significance for the one third, or 500,000, of Queensland households who rent their homes.

The TAASQ Program funds 23 services spread throughout the state where tenants can receive assistance (either face to face or on the phone, depending on their needs) to understand rights and obligations and to help preventing and dealing with disputes.  Many interventions by TAASs resolve situations where tenants would otherwise end up homeless, but they also help tenants to get their bond money back and defend unreasonable (often monetary) claims against them.  Services are run by well-qualified and experienced staff, trained and supported by the Tenants’ Union of Queensland, and are virtually self funding through the sensible use of interest on tenants’ bonds.

In fact, only a small portion of the interest earned (less than 15%) on all bonds lodged  is used. Most is used to run the government’s Residential Tenants Authority (RTA). Tenants have a right to their own advocates in the same way as landlords have access to real estate agents.

This successful and efficient service has proved a vital link in the rental sector and plays a key role in research, legislative reform and dispute resolution including the important task of preparing those who are required to attend the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Now is a crucial time in reversing the decision. The Commonwealth stepped in with emergency funding which commenced on November 1, right after hte state government discontinued the Program but the Commonwealth money also runs out at the end of June.  Without action, your TAASQ service is coming to an end.