PRESS RELEASE: End homelessness before Brisbane 2032

4 August 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A Queensland Legacy:
End homelessness before the Brisbane 2032 Olympics

On the eve of National Homelessness Week, Q Shelter has called on candidates contesting this year’s state election to commit to ending homelessness in Queensland by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

The state peak body for housing and homelessness is today launching its 2024 Queensland State Election Policy Platform, which focuses on six key priorities including a goal to end and prevent homelessness.

Q Shelter Chief Executive Officer Fiona Caniglia put the challenge to aspiring Queensland Government decision-makers ahead of October’s state election.

‘We must have bold and ambitious goals that include targets and adequate investment in the right programs so that we prevent and end homelessness in the runway to the 2032 Games,’ Caniglia said.

‘The Olympic Games are in full swing in Paris. The international spotlight will be on Queensland in the lead-up to 2032, and we have an incredible opportunity to position Brisbane and Queensland as the first Olympic and Paralympic host that has ended and not worsened homelessness.’

The Q Shelter policy platform explains that ‘ending homelessness’ essentially means a future experience of homelessness would be brief, rare, and non-recurring. It is the universally accepted definition of responsive and resilient housing systems that solve and prevent problems with a people-first approach, requiring ample and diverse housing options for all income groups.

Caniglia said an increased focus on prevention is necessary in order to end homelessness, including investments in:
• Support programs to help people sustain their tenancies
• More supportive housing for people experiencing significant vulnerability
• Prevention of children’s exposure to adverse experiences, a cause of complex homelessness in later life
• Integrated support for families and children so that children and young people do not experience homelessness at a young age
• Ensuring enough homes to meet population needs, inclusive of social and affordable homes.

‘There should be a greater focus and investment in prevention and early intervention so that people don’t become homeless in the first place.
‘If circumstances such as unemployment or family conflict and violence leads to homelessness, then we need a system that guarantees that experience is brief, rare and non-recurring. We can’t afford to let people enter homelessness with no way out,’ Caniglia said.
Q Shelter’s State Election Policy Platform 2024 is informed through extensive engagement and consultation with the housing and homelessness sector, drawing on evidence-based practices and sector knowledge.
The six priority areas the peak body has outlined aims to address the complex issues of housing need and homelessness in a holistic and sustainable manner.
1. Prevent and end homelessness
2. Rapidly increase housing supply, including through modern methods of construction
3. Supercharge the community housing sector for growth
4. Strengthen the private housing system
5. Achieve housing system reform
6. Amplify and embed the voices of people with lived experience and expertise.

Caniglia said the policy platform builds on the many diverse policies and investment measures already in place, including specialist responses to young people, people living with disability and First Nations peoples.

Echoing this year’s Homelessness Week theme of Homelessness Action Now, Caniglia said continued momentum and commitment is critical.

‘We are encouraged by the bipartisan approach and commitment to housing targets in Queensland for the next 20 years.

‘It is essential that the implementation of Homes for Queenslanders and The Queensland Housing Summit Report continues. The depth and breadth of housing system reforms is critical to future success in planning for Queensland’s significant population growth,’ said Caniglia.

The complete Q Shelter State Election Policy Platform can be accessed on the Q Shelter website: https://qshelter.asn.au/storage/2024/07/20240715-Q-Shelter-State-Election-Platform.pdf

ENDS
All quotes can be attributed to Fiona Caniglia, Chief Executive Officer, Q Shelter.
For further media comments or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Fiona Caniglia, Q Shelter CEO: 0400 196 492
Jackson Hills, Q Shelter Manager Policy and Strategic Engagement: 0411 395 842
Q Shelter Communications team: (07) 3831 5900 or [email protected]
Additional information:
What is homelessness?
Check out this helpful information video that talks about what homelessness is, who is likely to be homeless, and what can lead people to become homeless.
Click here to watch the video: https://vimeo.com/925203136