Following on from the release of the Coroner’s report about the tragic death of a baby at a rental property in Yeppoon (read here for coverage of the issue), two letters to the Courier Mail editor highlighted outstanding concerns.

Closures could set the scene for more tenant tragedies

WHEN will Queensland renters be protected from poorly maintained and unsafe rental properties? The lack of enforceable standards in rental properties has led to the tragic death of a baby girl (C-M, Sep 20).

Her parents paid the ultimate price for Queensland’s inadequate tenancy laws. As the coroner hands down her decision, who will act as a watchdog to improve rental standards and ensure the Government implements the coroner’s recommendations?

The Tenants Union and 22 other tenancy advice services have been cut by the Government. Without these services, tenants will struggle to deal with repair issues and a tragedy like this could happen again.

Wendy Herman, Fortitude Valley

* * * * * *MY heart goes out to baby Bella’s parents. I fear for more tenants as due to the Government’s funding cuts, tenancy advice and advocacy services across Queensland are about to shut their doors. Have a heart, Dr Flegg, and restore funding to tenancy services immediately, lest more parents suffer such a devastating loss.

Peter Mott, Fairfield

Or read the letters directly from the newspaper website here.