Queensland Shelter E-Bulletin: 30th July 2010

KEEP AN EYE ON QUEENSLAND AND NATIONAL SHELTER’S FEDERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN AT www.qshelter.asn.au

Media Releases:

- Sustainable population needs an affordable housing target "infrastructure, not immigration is the issue”
- Housing assistance key to easing cost of living pressures
- Welfare quarantining “simplistic and unrealistic” in the face of housing costs

All of these media releases can be found on the National Shelter website (www.shelter.org.au) or the Queensland Shelter website (www.qshelter.asn.au).
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The National Affordable Housing Summit Group Forum

Q Shelter participated in a national roundtable convened by the National Affordable Housing Summit group on Friday 16 July. The aim of the meeting was to garner feedback in relation to the implementation of the programs established over the last few years in an effort to boost the supply of affordable rental housing. The Social Housing Initiative of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan was discussed and particular interest was shown regarding the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS).

The summit was held in Brisbane and included representatives from academia, state and federal government, housing, finance and community sectors from Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. Additional summits will be convened by the National Affordable Housing Summit group to attain feedback from other states and territories.

For a full wrap up of the event from Q Shelter Policy Officer, Tegan Richardson, go to http://www.qshelter.asn.au/national-shelter-media/national-affordable-ho...
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National Shelter ICHO Forum

National Shelter hosted a national Indigenous housing forum at Queensland Shelter on 26 and 27 July bringing representatives from every State and Territory Shelter, and key representatives from Indigenous Community Housing Organisations from all over Australia. The purpose of the forum was to begin a national discussion on Indigenous housing, with a specific focus on urban and regional Indigenous populations. Specific to this, was the focus on gaining a greater understanding of the current and future role of Indigenous community housing organisations.

The one and a half day forum involved updates from each State and Territory, and from Indigenous community housing organisations on where they are at, and identification of issues which need urgently addressing. Common themes and issues which emerged included general tenancy issues, overcrowding, discrimination against Indigenous Australians in accessing the private market, participation and engagement, title issues, regulation, funding and sector capacity. The importance of improving access and the importance of promoting self-determination were key topics of discussion at the forum. An issues paper is now in the process of being developed so that common issues can be fed back at the national level.
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Disability Premises Standards

The Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards (Premises Standards) are due to come into force on 1 May 2011. They will lead to significant improvements in the level of access required in all new public buildings and existing buildings undergoing renovation. It is also anticipated that corresponding changes will be made to the Building Code of Australia at the same time.

This free two hour briefing is aimed at people with disability and those advocating for the rights of people with disability and ageing Australians. (Professionals who work in the building industry or Local Government are asked to register for one of the seminars advertised at: www.humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights/buildings/ps_registration.htm )

The briefing will cover:

• The objectives behind the Premises Standards
• Who is responsible for complying with the Premises Standards
• Main features including exceptions and concessions
• Areas of buildings and levels of access required.

Presented by Michael Small from the Australian Human Rights Commission

Where:Level 2, 157 Ann Street, Brisbane
When: Thursday 12 August 2 pm to 4 pm

Places are limited so you must register by 5 August at: Carole.Coles@brisbane.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3027 5847

The venue is wheelchair accessible and there is a hearing loop – if you have any other access requirements such as sign language interpreters please inform HRC when you register so that arrangements can be made.
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Gold Coast Homeless Connect

The third annual Gold Coast Homeless Connect event will be held on Wednesday 4 August at Albert Waterways Community Centre, Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach, commencing with a hot breakfast at 8 a.m.

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with Gold Coast services, obtain health and legal advice, counselling and accommodation referrals, help with I.D., and hairdressing. The Homelessness Network will also be providing free food, clothing, and toiletries. The day will also feature live entertainment, ABC FM on-site broadcasting, street soccer on an inflatable soccer pitch, and roving performers.

The event is supported by the Gold Coast Homelessness Network, Qld Shelter, the Queensland Government, Gold Coast City Council, Street Smart, and ABC Coast FM.
Call 5572-0400 for more information.
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Homelessness Australia Conference: Brisbane, 1st – 3rd Sept 2010

The 6th National Homelessness Conference, Many Ways Home: Ending Homelessness by 2020 is an opportunity to discuss the Government's White Paper - The Road Home. Will we meet the national target or can we do more? How will the White Paper impact on your service? What are other States and Territories doing in relation to their Implementation Plans?

Homelessness Australia will bring together all sectors to answer these questions and more at the 6th National Homelessness Conference in Brisbane from 1-3 September 2010.

To register for the event visit http://nhc.in-sync.com.au/

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Queensland Shelter PO Box 214, Spring Hill 4004
Ph: (07) 3831 5900 Webpage: www.qshelter.asn.au
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