THE Palaszczuk government has released new policy and framework, ‘Towards ending homelessness’ which is set to enable young Queenslanders a better opportunity for safe and secure housing.
$29.8 million is being invested into the new policy in the new state budget with the money devised separately to improve all aspects that go towards making the policy effective.
It’s a part of the Palaszczuk government’s long-term solution to the housing and homelessness crisis, as the government plans on investing $2.9 billion through the Housing and Homelessness Action Plan over four years.
The framework for the policy is outlined between 2022 and 2027 as the Palaszczuk government seeks to address the homelessness issue that continues to affect young Australians.
“A key priority of the Palaszczuk government is to deliver better services for all Queenslanders right across the state,” housing minister, Leeanne Enoch said.
“Addressing homelessness is about more than putting a roof over someone’s head.”
“It’s about providing support services to address the underlying causes of homelessness and allowing people to form connections to their local community.
“If we can address those underlying causes for young Queenslanders – that can have positive impacts across the rest of their lives.”
The $29.8 million is split up in seven factions that are aimed at working with young people and supporting them.
- $9.6 million is required to work with young people and immediate supported accommodation services to respond to their varying needs.
- $7 million will be used for additional specialist homelessness services to support young people and specifically young First Nations peoples.
- $3.4 million is targeted for financial housing assistance to help young people moving from care, corrections, youth justice.
- $3.3 million has been set aside for specialist house workers who will help young people find suitable and affordable housing and support them.
- $2.8 million will help deliver an innovative program of housing to assist families with onsite support in Brisbane.
- $2.1 million will be put to use by improving information on homelessness and housing assistance for young people.
- $1.6 million will aim to support young pregnant or parenting women to settle into and maintain secure housing.
The strategy has been strongly influenced by the amount of support that young people need. Minister for youth affairs Meaghan Scanlon says that the youth community needs to be supported in order for them to have a brighter future.
“Young people are the future of Queensland. They are key agents for social change, economic growth and technological innovation,” Scanlon said.
“Their security and prosperity relies on them having the skills and knowledge to lead our communities and drive our economy.
“This policy sets the strategic priorities and direction needed for young Queenslanders to find and keep housing.”
Minister for children Leanne Linard says it is detrimental to the health of young people when they lack housing stability.
“Young people who are couch surfing or staying with family or friends often have much higher levels of psychological distress than their peers and report poorer overall mental health,” she said.
“Those who experience homelessness and housing instability as children are more likely to disengage with education and training and face a range of other challenges, including being more likely to continue to experience homelessness or housing instability. That’s why a strategy like this is important.”
