Queensland’s housing crisis has led to 11 of the state’s peak bodies uniting in a call for urgent action from the Federal Government.
The Local Government Association Queensland (LGAQ) has written to the Federal Minister for Housing, Assistant Treasurer, Michael Sukkar, and the Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Jason Clare, urgently seeking a National Housing Summit to kickstart a collaboration of all tiers of government and industry.
The letter, signed by LGAQ CEO, Alison Smith, details the impact of a “perfect housing storm” on Queensland and its resulting social challenges for individuals, families and local communities.
The letter states: “Our organisations are united in the belief that every Queensland – and Australian – community deserves to be a liveable one.”
“In standing up for Queenslanders on this critical issue, we are recognising the ongoing and projected impact of the housing crisis across our industries and workforces in Australia.
“Long standing housing shortages – as well as growth and affordability challenges –
have impacted many regions and communities over the last decade.
“More recently, unprecedented low interest rates, sharply rising property prices, supply chain issues, significant labour shortage issues and scarcity of trades, have worsened the housing crisis and been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and recent severe storms and floods.”
It stated the the impact of a “perfect housing storm” on the State was resulting in a range of social challenges for individuals, families and local communities statewide including increased homelessness, mental health pressures, drug and alcohol abuse and crime rates.
“In some of our most vulnerable First Nations communities, overcrowding resulting from a shortage of housing has become a human rights issue and has escalated COVID-19 outbreaks during the pandemic,” the letter states.
“A National Housing Summit would allow all three levels of government and industry to work together to begin addressing this complex issue – and work towards a solution in a strategic, coordinated and considered way.
“We urge the Federal Government to listen to our clarion call and commit to this important step of a National Summit.
“We stand willing and able to work with your government on this joint request, on behalf of our members – Queenslanders who deserve the security of affordable and secure housing, and a liveable community.”
