Press Release THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2013
OFFICE OF THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION

Newman Government Grandstanding On Existing Public Housing Policy

 Shadow Housing Minister Jo-Ann Miller says the Newman Government’s “three-strikes and you’re out” public housing policy is a rehash of existing procedures but takes away tenants’ appeal rights.

 “Bad tenants should not be tolerated in public or private housing under any circumstance, but the existing rules allow for serious offenders to be evicted after just ‘one strike’ with others liable to be shown the door after ‘three strikes’ in one year,” Mrs Miller said.

 “There are no details yet of the Newman Government’s approach especially whether it is based on a WA model that does not allow a tenant to appeal a ‘strike’ notice or enter mediation, where the current Queensland model does.

 “This is another example of the Newman Government demonising disadvantaged Queenslanders and taking rights away from tenants who may already be in a position where they are unable to defend themselves.

 “On top of this, the Newman Government has scrapped funding to more than 20 Tenant Advocacy and Advice Services (TAAS) across the state supported by the Tenants’ Union of Queensland. Continue reading →

Press release from Minister for Housing & Public Works, the Hon Tim Mander Issued 4 April 2013

Rogue public housing tenants will soon face stricter penalties for bad behaviour with the Newman Government today launching a “three-strikes and you’re out” policy.

Minister for Housing Tim Mander said the new policy would see problem tenants evicted if they failed to curb their behaviour.

“While the majority of our tenants do the right thing, there is an anti-social minority who treat their neighbours with contempt and the taxpayers with disdain,” Mr Mander said.

“Under Labor it was almost impossible to get evicted, no matter how badly you behaved.

“Those days are now over. People need to realise that that public housing is a privilege that comes with certain responsibilities.

“At a bare minimum, people are expected to refrain from destroying the property or using it to conduct a criminal enterprise. Similarly, there is an expectation that tenants won’t behave in a way that is unnecessarily disruptive to others in the neighbourhood.” Continue reading →

OFFICE OF THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
MONDAY 1 APRIL 2013
LNP Must Ensure TAAS Services Continue

Shadow Housing Minister Jo-Ann Miller says the Newman Government must provide funding to ensure more than 20 Tenant Advice and Advocacy Services (TAAS) across Queensland keep their doors open beyond June 30.

“TAAS services have proved their worth as a source of information and advice for tenants who might otherwise be ripped off by unscrupulous landlords,” Mrs Miller said.

“I am calling on the new Housing Minister Tim Mander to reverse the previous Minister’s decision last year to axe these services.

“Following the LNP government’s decision to cut these frontline services in July 2012 the federal government intervened to provide $3.3 million in emergency funding until 30 June 2013.

“This has allowed TAAS services to keep their doors open and provide free information and advice on affordable housing, maintenance of properties, rent increases, assistance with going to court when meditation has failed and enquiries about rent arrears.

“TAAS also ensures tenants better understand their rights and responsibilities under Queensland laws.”

Mrs Miller said Mr Mander must now provide funds to ensure frontline TAAS services continued beyond the end of the financial year.

“I understand the federal government is requiring Queensland to provide ongoing funding for tenant advice as a way to potentially cut homelessness and I urge Mr Mander to include TAAS funding as part of this strategy.”

Mrs Miller said TAAS services operated in:

•        Brisbane — New Farm, Stafford, West End, Wynnum,  Acacia Ridge, Zillmere
• ·        Logan
• ·        the Gold Coast
• ·        Ipswich
• ·        the Sunshine Coast — Gympie and Nambour
• ·        Bundaberg
• ·        Central Queensland — Gladstone and Rockhampton
• ·        Toowoomba
• ·        Roma
• ·        Mackay
• ·        Proserpine
• ·        Townsville
• ·        Far North Queensland — Cairns and Atherton
• ·        Mt Isa.

“TAAS was previously funded through a portion of the interest generated from tenant bonds held by the Residential Tenancies Authority to ensure that tenants across Queensland have the best possible support available,” she said.

A new homelessness partnership agreement has been signed between the Commonwealth and State.  We don’t know enough details yet in regard to tenancy advice funding but will keep you posted.  Here is an exerpt from Minister Butler’s press release and then a communique from today’s meeting.

“The Australian Government today announced a $320 million agreement with the states and territories which ensures the continued provision of vital homelessness services.

The Federal Government made $159 million available in early March, conditional on the
states and territories agreeing to match the Commonwealth’s contribution. At today’s COAG Select Council on Housing and Homelessness, all state and territory housing ministers confirmed their commitment to these vital homelessness services.

Federal Minister for Housing and Homelessness Mark Butler said the agreement ensures that services currently provided under the current National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness continue.

COAG Select Council on Housing and Homelessness
28 March 2013 meeting Communiqué

The COAG Select Council on Housing and Homelessness met on 28 March 2013, in Melbourne.

 National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness

Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a future long term National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness (NPAH) subject to individual jurisdictional approval. Ministers recognise the importance of putting in place appropriate transitional arrangements to afford time to finalise a longer term agreement which Ministers recognise as critical to tackling homelessness. The transitional arrangement will provide some certainty to individuals and their service providers. The transitional arrangements would see the Commonwealth, States and Territories contribute almost $320m to tackle homelessness in 2013-14. This includes a combined development fund of $76m that will provide new accommodation arrangements. Continue reading →