Newman Chooses Comfort Over Helping Homeless

Media Release

Shadow Housing Minister, Jo-Ann Miller, says the federal government’s emergency support for tenant advisory services in Queensland highlights the Newman Government’s twisted priorities.

“The federal government is providing $3.3 million to help 23 Tenant Advice and Advocacy Services keep their doors open until June next year,” Mrs Miller said.

“At the same time the LNP Government which cut TAAS funding is splurging $3.5 million just to start planning the Premier’s pet project — his new Executive Building in the Brisbane CBD.

“The federal government’s action puts into focus the LNP’s twisted priorities.

“The Premier and his Ministers are more interested in housing themselves in a new and unnecessary high-rise office than in helping frontline organisations trying to address homelessness.

“Organisations delivering TAAS throughout Queensland, especially those in regional areas, are justifiably upset that their own state government would abandon them when housing shortages are major concerns in many communities.

“The federal government’s decision is welcome and should give the Newman Government time to reconsider its cold-hearted decision to scrap TAAS funding.

“In the meantime Premier Newman needs to explain why he wants to spend more on himself than he does on frontline housing services,” Mrs Miller said.