On September 6, the Federal Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Brendan O’Connor, opened the National Housing Conference in Melbourne. In his opening address he commented that funding cuts to the Tenant Advice and Advocacy Services in Queensland was not helping to reduce homelessness. See the post here from the Australian newspaper. Continue reading
Category Archives: Media coverage
Newman government cuts – too much, too fast?
In this article journalist Sharona Coutts from the Global Mail reviews cuts made by the Newman government. Ten issues are canvassed including those made to the Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service program. Coordinator of the Tenants’ Union of Queensland, Penny Carr, is interviewed. Click here to read the article.
Caravan park residents as concerned as others
Wynnum renters, including those in caravan parks, fear for the loss of their local tenant advice service. (Wynnum Herald 5-9-12)
Click here to read the article on page 4.
Concerns issued from Premier’s electorate
Hot of the press, a Tenants’ Union client expresses her alarm a the discontinuation of funding for tenant advice services. Reprinted from the Quest’s Westside News.
How do you rate the Premier’s response on talkback?
The Premier did talkback on local ABC station 612 with Steve Austin this morning. He go two questions about the discontinuation of the Tenant Advice and Advocacy Program but we’re not sure he actually answered the questions. See for yourself.
To listen, click on the link below Press play and drag circle inside the player timer to 10.15. This is where the first of the two back to back questions start.
Listen here 
Comments from Central Brisbane MP, Robert Cavallucci, way off the mark
Misinformed and somewhat offensive, Central Brisbane MP Robert Cavallucci talks about how the attitude of ‘unless the government pays for it, a service won’t be provided to the community’ is why the Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service (TAAS) program had to be cut. He must be completely unaware that TAAS is funded mainly from the interest generated on tenants’ bonds. This money in now being appropriated by government for its own purposes. See his comments in this hot off the press article in Village News New Farm Fortitude Valley. To read the article click here, then head to page 3 or the publication.
Tenant advice and tenant participation cuts – Mackay makes the links
The Mackay/Whitsunday region shared concerns over the loss of their tenant advice service as well as the social housing Tenant Participation program. Read the article here
Advice cut okay – Toowoomba real estate agent
A Toowoomba real estate agent didn’t think it was so bad that tenant advice services were being slashed when the decision was made in July (read the article here) .
Unfortunately for tenants, the services of the Residential Tenancies Authority are just not the same, something which was apparent to the local resident who commented on the story. And without advocates the whole industry will become unbalanced.
Interesting to note as well, the local MP quoted, Trevor Watts, was the one who responded to a letter outlining concerns about the loss of the tenant advice program with, ‘I would like to acknowledge and thank you for your correspondence regarding TAASQ, dated August 1’. Nothing more, nothing less. Let’s hope some local residents have been meeting with him to explain the importance of our services.
Toowoomba also terrified
We missed this coverage when it first went out. Toowoomba joins in the universal concerns being expressed at the loss of tenant advice services. This report is from their local newspaper, the Chronicle.
Click here to read the article.
TUQ coordinator interviewed on the Day of Action
On the Day of Action, the TUQ Coordinator, Ms Penny Carr was interviewed in detail on 4ZZZ’s Brisbane line. She discusses, amongst other things, the differences between tenant advice services and the Residential Tenancies Authority as well as fears that she shares with the industry that the tenancy tribunal will become clogged up when tenants do not have access to advice services.
Minister continues to misunderstand tenant advice program
At the Tenant Advice and Advocacy Services’ day of action protesting funding cuts are (front from left) Brett and Cheryl Kettlewell of Blackstone, and (rear from left) Arlene Lewis, co-ordinator of Tenant Services Ipswich, and Helen Parcell of Eastern Heights.
The Minister’s comments show he misunderstands that more people will end up homeless and in need of social housing if he withdraws the tenant advice and advocacy program which keeps people adequately and safely housed in the private rental market Continue reading
Alarmed Wynnum citizens write in!
The Wynnum Herald printed letters from alarmed readers on August 28.
Law Society concerns for loss of tenancy advice aired in Hervey Bay
Ipswich tenants and supporters call for funding reinstatement
Thumbs down: Arlene Lewis, from Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service, joins protesters in Ipswich. Source: Quest Newspapers
Tenants and supporters of the Ipswich Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service make a stand about the funding cut to their local service.Click here to read the article from Quest Ipswich.
Misguided Housing Minister say TAAS duplicates RTA !!
