Healthy Queenslanders Headline Budget

The Palaszczuk Government is investing in next generation services to make it easier for Queenslanders to do business with government.

Minister for Digital Technology Mick de Brenni said the key Budget commitment of $32.2 million would help ensure doing business with the government is simple and efficient – saving Queenslanders time and money.

“Being a Responsive Government is a key objective of the Queensland Government’s Our Future State – Advancing Queensland priorities,” said Mr de Brenni.

“Being Responsive means taking a person centric approach to how Queenslanders do business with Government, simplifying access to services through one point of contact and reducing paperwork for citizens and Queensland business.

“Queenslanders have told us they want to access personalised services from government wherever, whenever and however they want and we’ve listened.”

“We’re not going to make Queenslanders fit to us, we’re going to fit to Queenslanders – confirm your identity once and that’s your access to government-wide services with one ID.

“We’re going to respect your identity and let you be you.

“Queensland’s digital front door already receives more than 74.5 million visits a year and we’re expecting this to increase as more people gain confidence with technology, and as we roll out even more intuitive services in the future.

“This foundational project will develop the in-house structural reforms to the Government ICT frameworkincluding critical data security measures.”

As part of the 10-year Queensland Housing Strategy, the Palaszczuk Government is continuing its investment in social and affordable housing through the Housing Construction Jobs Program.

The 2019 Queensland Budget sees the largest investment yet of the $1.8 billion housing strategy, with $215.8 million committed this year.

Mr de Brenni said that building homes for Queenslanders by Queenslanders was crucial to ensure that every Queenslander has a safe, secure and sustainable place to call home.

“An integral piece to holding down a job is having a roof over your head, this year’s investment into the construction of new social housing is expected to deliver 512 new homes, award contracts for the commencement of 600 new homes and is expected to support approximately 600 jobs for Queenslanders.”

Minister de Brenni said the the Partnering for Growth Strategy was also expected to deliver thousands of additional homes and support hundreds of additional jobs.

“But we’re also supporting Queenslanders maintain housing independence by first giving them a helping hand to get set up in rental properties.

“We’re investing over $35 million in this year’s Budget into a suite of products like bond loans, rental grants, no interest loans and head-leasing to help Queenslanders build good rental history and help them get ahead.”

The 2019 Queensland Budget sees the continuation of construction of safe secure and affordable homes across the state’s 17 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander council areas.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said the Queensland Government was focused on working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to achieve better outcomes for their communities.

“The Queensland Government remains committed to providing $1.08 billion over 10 years to improve housing outcomes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,” said Mr de Brenni.

“We are making good on this commitment by investing $228.3 million in 2019-20 for housing services in remote and discrete communities, which includes delivering new and upgraded housing, support for home ownership and the construction of crisis shelters in Pormpuraaw and Woorabinda.”

Mr de Brenni said the $40 million capital works program would see construction and jobs continue in remote communities whilst the Queensland Government seeks a new remote housing partnership with the Commonwealth.

“66 full time equivalent jobs will be supported by these works and will see the development of local work forces and apprentices.

“This investment could provide communities with a further 17 new homes, deliver 68 extensions and 32 new lot developments, with a program of works subject to discussion with communities.”

Mr de Brenni said the Queensland Government first committed to this capital works program in 2018 to mitigate the impact of the expiry of the National Partnership on Remote Housing.

“Overcrowded homes affect your health, which affects your ability to work, study or play.

“This modest $40 million remote housing program continues to respond to overcrowding and supports jobs, while we urgently seek a new housing agreement with the Federal Government.”

Mr de Brenni said the Queensland Government and First Nations Advisor, Mick Gooda worked closely with Council Mayors to determine distribution of remote housing funding.

“This collaborative approach is a great example of how the Queensland Government is partnering with communities to address local needs.”

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders to benefit from Queensland’s remote housing program include the communities of: Aurukun, Cherbourg, Doomadgee, Hope Vale, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Mapoon, Mornington Island, Napranum, Palm Island, Pormpuraaw, Woorabinda, Wujal Wujal, the Northern Peninsula Area, the Torres Strait, Torres Shire and Yarrabah.

In a joint initiative with the Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Jackie Trad, Minister de Brenni announced $67.1 million which would be used to work with communities to improve housing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

In the lead up to the launch of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Action Plan 2019 – 2023: A better housing future Mr de Brenni said that the new initiative would empower communities to participate in shared leadership and decision-making about housing investment and services.

“Queenslanders know that access to safe, secure and sustainable housing is fundamental to Closing the Gap,” said Mr de Brenni.

“Regional and remote communities know how to improve their own housing outcomes, so we’re giving them the tools to ensure the benefits flow to the people who need it most.”

Mr de Brenni said the Action Plan sees targeted investment of $67.1 million over four years to deliver a suite of commitments to improve housing and employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders

“Around 66 local building and construction workers will benefit by delivering new houses in their communities.

“We are guaranteeing that communities reap the benefits from the Government’s investment in housing, through increased local jobs, training and business opportunities.”

The Action Plan is a commitment under The Queensland Housing Strategy 2017-2027, and supports the Queensland Government’s commitment to reframing the relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders and the Local Thriving Communities reform agenda.

In 2019-2020, the Queensland Government will invest $271.8 million to improve housing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders, including $228.3 million in remote communities.