LNP must reverse cruel cuts for homelessness
- Queensland Labor Opposition
- Jan 9
- 2 min read
Labor urges LNP government to reverse it’s $45 million cut to homelessness services in MYFER
Miles Government had committed to a 20 per cent uplift for organisations, including $168 million over next three years
LNP’s costings show a $45 million shortfall leaving organisations without critical funding
Rough sleepers seeking critical help will be the first victims of Crisafulli’ cuts unless the LNP Government reverses its decision to slash $45 million from the state’s homelessness organisations.
Labor is calling for David Crisafulli to reverse his government’s decision to cut funding to Specialist Homelessness Services who provide accommodation and wrap around support for those in need.
Labor is pushing for the cuts to be reversed before the LNP’s mid-year fiscal and economic review, which has been delayed.
It comes as the latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) data shows the former Labor Government’s 20 per cent uplift for Specialist Homelessness Services was helping more people in need.
According to AIHW, the Miles Government’s injection in funding for organisations saw more than 3,400 people provided accommodation on any given day in 2024, double when compared to Victoria and New South Wales.
Under Labor, homelessness organisations would have received an additional $168.17 million over the next three years – with funding increasing year on year to help Queenslanders in need.
The LNP’s election costings reveal those same organisations will receive $45 million less under the Crisafulli Government.
It’s the latest in a series of LNP housing cuts in Queensland and follows a decisions by the Crisafulli Government to cut hundreds of affordable homes on the Gold Coast.
The LNP government have also rammed through legislation in parliament giving them the power to slash thousands of affordable homes slated to be fast-tracked.
Quotes attributable to Shadow Housing Minister and Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon:
“The LNP have a track record of cuts to housing and now they won’t even honour promised funding to specialist homelessness services.
“Providing emergency accommodation is critical while we build more homes, but the LNP is turning their back on vulnerable Queenslanders by gutting funding for homelessness services.
“The LNP need to reverse their cuts if and when they release MYFER.
“After cutting hundreds of homes and lining up cuts for thousands more, Premier Crisafulli has revealed their next cut in a series of cruel decisions.”
Background:
To view the latest AIHW data, click here: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/specialist-homelessness-services-annual-report/on-any-given-day-infographics
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