QCOSS gave evidence that called on government to invest in housing to ensure people living in supported accommodation have access to homes that are community-based, meet minimum standards, and are appropriate for a person’s needs.
There are more than 7,000 Queenslanders currently living in supported accommodation. For many of them, it's an option of last resort.
Supported accommodation services historically provided temporary housing for Queenslanders with complex needs.
But with no appropriate alternatives, these services - which lack appropriate infrastructure - are becoming long-term or even permanent housing facilities for residents, many of whom have high support and wellbeing needs that increase their risk of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
The majority of facilities have shared bathrooms and toilets and, in some cases, there are so few showers that residents must shower according to a roster. In one place, a port-a-loo was the solution for a toilet shortage. Furthermore, residents can share a room with up to three other people.
And for living conditions like this, residents - most of whom have low incomes - have to pay rent and support costs that are often high and not clearly defined.
It is so obvious that this type of housing is falling short for the many people who have no choice but to live there. The current supported accommodation regulatory framework and delivery approach does not adequately protect people’s rights or support individual wellbeing.
We need legislative and service delivery reform to ensure people living in supported accommodation have access to safe, secure, and affordable housing that respects their rights and is appropriate for their needs.
Additionally, government must make significant investments to ensure people have access to person-centred wellbeing supports that meet their needs and aspirations.
We must have human rights respecting housing solutions for all Queenslanders.
24 фев 2024
