Category Archives: Government Press Releases

Homelessness Partnership agreement progresses

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Federal Housing Minister Mark Butler issued the following information this afternoon.  Whilst it looks like discussions with the States and Territories has progressed, indeed they’ve now received a draft agreement from the Commonwealth, we have no word whether the commitment by Minister Butler’s predecessor has been fulfilled.  The Housing Minister O’Connor sought to have governments (including the Queensland Government) fund tenancy advice services as part as a requirement of this agreement.  We are currently seeking an update on the situation.

COMMUNIQUE
The Australian Government is committed to the provision of quality services to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

A National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness for 2013-14 is currently under discussion between the federal, state and territory governments. The Australian Government is committed to the continuation of current service levels and would like to reaffirm to the services sector, all stakeholders and clients that the Commonwealth’s level of investment, as well as our commitment to quality and transparency, will continue.

To this end, the Australian Government will provide up to $159 million over the next year towards a transitional agreement to be matched by the states and territories to tackle homelessness. As well as funding for services, this investment includes a competitive Development Fund that will support capital projects to help people move out of homelessness into safe and sustainable housing. States and territories will be invited to bid for a portion of the Development Fund as part of a competitive process, and will be required to match capital funding provided by the Australian Government.

A draft agreement is now with state and territories for consideration, and I look forward to hearing back from them on their funding commitment, which will importantly provide funding surety to service providers in each jurisdiction Continue reading →

Minister issues press release about flood affected tenancies

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The following is a press release from State Housing Minister, Tim Mander, about flood affected tenancies.  We note there is no mention of the great services provided by the Tenants’ Union of Queensland (TUQ) and the Tenant Advice and Advocacy Services.  The TUQ has an excellent fact sheet for tenants.  To see it click here.

The following press release was issued today by the Miinster’s office.

Cleaning   flood damaged rental propertiesHousing   and Public Works Minister Tim Mander has urged tenants and landlords to work   together to arrange the cleaning and repair of rental properties damaged   during this week’s floods.   

“We know that a lot of people are going to be wondering where they stand and who is  responsible for what when it comes to the clean-up process,” Mr Mander   said.   

“At times like this it’s particularly important that tenants and landlords communicate, either directly or through a property manager, about the clean-up and any repairs that are needed.”  Continue reading →

Assistance for flooded Gold Coast and Logan area residents

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Today Minister announces more regions covered by assistance packages.

Residents affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald and associated rainfall and flooding in the Gold Coast City Council and Logan City Council areas can now access assistance from the Queensland Government to help their recovery.

Communities Minister Tracy Davis said disaster relief arrangements had now been activated in these affected areas.

“Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme (PHAS) grants are now available to support those families experiencing personal hardship, by covering the immediate, unexpected basic costs of essential items such as food, clothing and accommodation due to the extreme weather,” Ms Davis said.

“A grant of up to $180 per person, up to a maximum of $900 for a family of five or more, is available to eligible people experiencing genuine hardship.”

Essential Household Contents Grants, Structural Assistance Grants and Essential Services Safety Reconnection Scheme Grants would also be available for individuals and families affected by the flooding caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald. Continue reading →

Residents of additional flooded areas now accessing assistance

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A further press release from Tracy Davies, Minister for Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services issued yesterday afternoon.

Residents of additional local government areas affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald and associated rainfall and flooding can now access assistance from the Queensland Government to aid in their recovery.

Communities Minister Tracy Davis said disaster relief arrangements had now been activated for residents in the following local government areas:

 ·     Brisbane City Council

 ·     Ipswich City  Council

 ·     Lockyer Valley Regional Council

 ·     Redland City Council

 ·     Scenic Rim Regional Council

 ·     Somerset Regional Council

 ·     South Burnett Regional Council

 ·     Southern Downs Regional Council

 ·     Toowoomba Regional Council

 ·     Western Downs Regional Council Continue reading →

Assistance for flooded Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, Gympie, Fraser Coast and North Burnett area residents

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This press release dated Monday January 28 was issued by the Minister for Communities,Child Safety and Disability Services, Tracy Davis.

Assistance for flooded Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, Gympie, Fraser Coast and North Burnett area residents

Residents affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald and associated rainfall and flooding in the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, Gympie, Fraser Coast and North Burnett Regional Council areas can now access assistance from the Queensland Government to aid in their recovery.

Communities Minister Tracy Davis said disaster relief arrangements had now been activated in these affected areas.

“Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme (PHAS) grants are now available to support those families experiencing personal hardship, by covering the immediate, unexpected basic costs of essential items such as food, clothing and accommodation due to the extreme weather,” Ms Davis said.

“A grant of up to $180 per person, up to a maximum of $900 for a family of five or more, is available to eligible people experiencing genuine hardship.” Continue reading →

State owned Woombye and Lazy Acres Caravan Parks to be run by NFP sector – Minister

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Residents of both Woombye and Lazy Acres Caravan Parks will be feeling relief today as the Minister for Housing, Tim Mander, announced neither caravan park will be sold.

On Tuesday Housing Minister Tim Mander announcement that the Monte Carlo Caravan Park will be run by a not for profit housing provider (but remain in state ownership) which, in return, will have to develop new social housing in targeted areas.

Today Minister Mander announced the same deal for the other two state owned parks that were to be sold.  Woombye Caravan Park on the Sunshine Coast and Lazy Acres in Torquay on the Fraser Coast are to be run by a not for profit housing provider after a select tender process.  This will bring some relief to residents of these parks who have been concerned what may happen to the parks if sold, as announced by the government last year.

Save Tenant Services congratulates the Minister on the decision not to sell these parks.

Some relief for Monte Carlo Caravan Park residents

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Picture source: The Courier Mail

Save Tenant Services congratulates the Minister for Housing, Minister Mander, on a promising outcome for residents of Monte Carlo Caravan Park.  These residents have been living in fear of the park being sold off since the middle of last year when the government announced it would sell the park.  Minister Mander now says the park will be run by a not for profit housing provider.  See below the Minister’s press release of January 22.Let’s hope there is similar news for the other two parks (Woombye Caravan Park and Lazy Acres in Torquay) which are also subject to the decision to sell made last year by the Newman government.

Win-Win for Monte Carlo Caravan Park
(Minister for Housing & Public Works, Honorable Tim Mander 22-1-13)

The   Monte Carlo Caravan Park on Brisbane’s Southside is set to remain in place   following a State Government announcement which will give a not-for-profit   housing provider the opportunity to run the facility.

The   Newman Government will invite a select group of not-for-profit housing providers to submit expressions of interest in the Cannon Hill site on the condition that it continues to operate as a caravan park.

Under the plan, the successful proponent will take possession of the site in   exchange for an agreement to build new social housing in key target areas.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Tim Mander said the EOI would include respected   providers Horizon, Four Walls, Churches of Christ Care, Brisbane Housing   Company and Bric. Continue reading →

JPs to hear minor civil disputes – good for tenants?

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As the government extends the time for Justices of the Peace (JP) to sign up for a trial to hear minor civil dispute matter in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, we’re still not sure whether this will be good for tenants. JPs will be able to hear matters worth up to $5,000.  That’s a lot of money for most tenants.  We hope the pilot’s evaluation will be robust.

The following is a press release from the Queensland Attorney General, Mr Jarrod Bleijie, issued last Friday.

JP pilot program application date extended

The Newman Government has given JPs more time to sign up for the recently announced Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Justices of the Peace pilot program.

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie said JPs from Brisbane, Ipswich, Townsville and the Gold and Sunshine Coasts would now have until 5 December to apply to join the program.

“The pilot program will utilise the skills of JPs (Magistrates Court) to come up with common sense solutions to minor disputes of less than $5,000 in QCAT,” Mr Bleijie said.

“The trial will be used to assess whether the use of JPs in QCAT helps to reduce backlogs by freeing up magistrates and QCAT adjudicators to deal with more complex matters.

“To be eligible for the legal positions and preside over the panel, JPs must have been a lawyer with at least three years’ standing in Australia.

“Applicants for the non-legal positions must have held an appointment for at least five years.

“QCAT will provide training, assessment and evaluation of the applicants before they begin hearing matters.”

Mr Bleijie said the pilot program was part of the Newman Government’s review of the state’s JP system.

“JPs play a vital role in the community and the trial is a step towards enhancing that role and addressing the backlogs affecting magistrates courts in these regions,” he said.

“We have committed $3.5 million over the next four years to deliver this pilot program, outsource the delivery of JP training programs and refocus the JP Branch.

“Through this additional funding the Newman Government acknowledges the important volunteer role JPs perform in administering our laws and delivering justice services.”

The pilot program is expected to begin in April 2013.

The pilot QCAT program will be trialled in Brisbane, Maroochydore, Southport and Townsville and JPs can apply at www.qcat.qld.gov.au.

New Minister responds to tenant advice funding cut

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Late last month new Housing Minister Tim Mander responded to the parliamentary e-petition regarding the funding cut to the Tenant Advice and Advocacy Program.  In what is the first public statement we’ve seen the new Minister make, he reiterates the claims of the previous Minister.  At least, however, he continues to express the value of the TAAS sector.

Below is what he had to say  (or read it from the website here).  (Read the e-petition here)
November 22
Mr Neil Laurie
The Clerk of the Parliament
Parliament House
George Street
Brisbane Qld 4000

 Dear Mr Laurie

Thank you for your letter of 1 November 2012 to former Minister Bruce Flegg MP regarding petition 1951-12 which raises concerns about the cessation of funding to the Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service (Queensland) (TAASQ). As you would be aware, I have recently been sworn in as the Minister for Housing and Public Works.

The Federal Government has recently announced that it will fund the continuation of the service until the end of June 2013. The Queensland Government has welcomed this decision as TAASQ is recognised as a valuable service. We would also welcome increased funding from the Federal Government to help provide more affordable housing.

The government’s decision to cease funding for TAASQ was one of a number of difficult decisions that has had to be made. Unfortunately, the former government left Queensland with a debt heading towards $100 billion by 2018-19, and a public housing system with no money to build houses.

With around 25 000 families on the Housing Register waiting for social housing assistance, the primary focus has to be on the core business of putting a roof over people’s heads. The money saved from TAASQ is being directed towards providing more houses for Queenslanders. The government is committed to addressing the public housing crisis.

I trust this information addresses your enquiry. If I can be of assistance with other matters within my portfolio, please do not hesitate to contact my office on telephone 07 3237 1832.

Yours sincerely
Tim Mander MP
Minister for Housing and Public Works

Commitment to new agreement to tackle homelessness at today’s Select Council on Housing and Homelessness

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Federal Minister for Housing  and Homelessness, Brendan O’Connor, released the following press statement after today’s meeting of the Select Council on Housing and Homelessness.

16 November 2012

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Brendan O’Connor today congratulated his State and Territory counterparts for agreeing to an ongoing commitment to work together to tackle homelessness.

Ministers at today’s Select Council on Housing and Homelessness meeting in Brisbane agreed, subject to Cabinet processes, to enter into negotiations for a new National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness.

They also agreed, subject to Cabinet processes, to work on a one-year transition partnership agreement for 2013-14 while the new long-term agreement is negotiated.

With the current partnership due to expire on 30 June 2013, the Gillard Government has committed to a further one year of funding for service delivery under the agreement, with the expectation the States and Territories will match funding.

“We look forward to States and Territories getting the agreement of their Cabinets at the earliest opportunity,” Mr O’Connor said. Continue reading →

Requirement to provide tenancy advice in new National Partnership Agreement says Minister O’Connor

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Last Wednesday the Federal Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Brendan O’Connor, made a speech to the National Press Club.  He talks about the future of the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness and commits the Federal government to funding in the new financial year when the current agreement runs out.

The Minister also says a requirement within the next Agreement will be the provision of tenancy advice.  See his press release below or read his comprehensive speech delivered at the National Press Club.  He discusses tenancy advice on pages 19 & 20.

GILLARD GOVERNMENT COMMITS TO CONTINUING HOMELESSNESS FUNDING

Federal Minister for Housing and Homelessness Brendan O’Connor today announced that the Gillard Government will approach the States and Territories to negotiate a new homelessness partnership.

Mr O’Connor said the new agreement would be based on matched funding and framed by the core principles of prevention, early intervention and breaking the cycle of homelessness.

“The Agreement should improve transparency and ensure we can measure the effectiveness of Government action,” Mr O’Connor told the National Press Club.

“To provide certainty during these negotiations for the tireless and compassionate workers in this sector, and, most importantly, for their clients, we commit today to providing our half of the funding for next financial year while we finalise a longer term agreement. Continue reading →

Premier makes statement about (ex) Housing Minister Flegg’s resignation

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Statement from Premier Campbell Newman  14 November, 2012

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman today regretfully accepted the resignation of the Housing and Public Works Minister Dr Bruce Flegg.

“The LNP was elected with a commitment to restore accountability to Government, and Dr Flegg has shown great integrity by taking ultimate responsibility for shortcomings in his Ministerial office,” the Premier said

“Dr Flegg has done an exemplary job over the past eight months to introduce significant public housing reforms and start tackling the massive public housing waiting list Labor left behind.

“He approached this difficult task with vigour and energy, and the public housing reforms he introduced will leave a lasting legacy for all Queenslanders.

“However, it has become apparent that difficulties within his office are distracting the Government from the very important task of getting Queensland back on track by growing a four pillar economy and revitalising front line services.

“It is now beyond doubt there are serious shortcomings with the governance and administration of his office.

“Dr Flegg knows I expect the highest standards from my Ministers and that there is a level for which they must perform, and as such has tendered his resignation.”

Federal Minister Brendan O’Connor talks about housing and related matters……

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Federal Minister for Housing, Hon Brendan O’Connor, today addressed the Community Housing Federation of Victoria.  In a speech very similar to that which he delivered to last week’s National Housing Conference in Brisbane, the Minister gives his insights into community housing and the National Rental Affordability Scheme, and touches on the future of both the National Affordable Housing Agreement and the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness.   Here is a transcript of today’s speech.

Minister O’Connor:  I acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we meet today, and pay my respects to their elders, past and present.

 Thank you John for that warm introduction.

 I welcome this opportunity to recognise the importance of community housing as a part of Commonwealth social housing policy.

 Community housing plays a vital role in boosting Australia’s stock of affordable housing – and I’m happy to say that this role is increasing.

 By mid-last year there were more than 900 mainstream community housing organisations managing nearly 60,000 homes.

 This was an increase of nearly 12,500 homes in one year.

 But have we got as far as we can in progressing the role of the sector?

 Mainstream community housing now represents almost 15 per cent of all social housing dwellings.

 However, we still have a long way to go to meet the agreement of Housing Ministers in 2009 to transfer up to 35 per cent of all social housing would be transferred by 2014 and up to 75 per cent of Social Housing Initiative housing to the community sector by that same year. Continue reading →