Joint Press Release May 30
Minister for Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services Hon Tracey Davis
Minister for Housing and Public Works The Hon Tim Mander

The Newman Government has signed the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness (NPAH) despite the Gillard Government only committing to one year of funding certainty for homelessness services in Queensland.

Communities Minister Tracy Davis and Housing Minister Tim Mander said Queensland wanted to secure a long-term funding solution for homelessness, and was disappointed the Gillard Government refused to look beyond the September election.

“The Queensland Government sought a long-term agreement so we could continue to provide on-the-ground support for the homeless, but the Gillard Government has failed to allocate a single dollar beyond the next financial year,” Ms Davis said.

“Previously, the Federal Government had committed to halve the rate of homelessness by 2020—clearly this commitment has been forgotten.

“Australia needs a government which will stand up and act like adults and make decisions in the best interests of the community, instead of making short-term decisions based on a looming election.”

Mr Mander said the Newman Government was given a deadline to sign the partnership agreement to secure homelessness funding in 2013–2014.

“This stunt is just a quick fix to get this current dysfunctional Federal Government in crisis through to the next election,” Mr Mander said.

“Threats to deny the Queensland community of vital services is what we have come to expect from a Labor Government that throws temper-tantrums when things don’t go its way.

“The Newman Government is committed to tackling Queensland’s homelessness both now and in the future and we want the Gillard Government to play its part, but they need to get fair dinkum about this, and offer up a funding commitment that goes beyond the next 12 months.”