Queensland to stump up $600m to ease homelessness crisis
Housing Minister Sam O'Connor said the funding totalled almost $600 million over four years, and would include an extra 20 per cent for specialist homelessness services, and $365 million for emergency accommodation.
'This is both our hotel and motel accommodations, where we have thousands of vulnerable Queenslanders staying at the moment because there's nowhere else for them to go,' O'Connor told reporters after giving the keynote speech at the National Homelessness Conference on Tuesday.
'It's also more than doubling our headleasing program … where we will take a lease out on a private market property and will help support the tenant to have a safe and secure place to call home while we find them a more permanent, longer-term solution.'
The announcement came a week before the Liberal National Party was set to deliver its first Queensland budget since Premier David Crisafulli took power in October.
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It also follows announcements last week that public housing tenants would face a 'three strikes and you're out' rule if found to have breached the terms of their tenancy, and that social housing tenants earning over the income thresholds would face eviction.
Meanwhile, people sleeping rough in Brisbane's CBD have faced increased uncertainty after moves to remove tents from public parks in the wake of Cyclone Alfred.
Asked whether it was too difficult for vulnerable Queenslanders to access crisis accommodation, O'Connor said new rules that came into effect this year made the policy 'more targeted'.
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The Advertiser
2 days ago
- The Advertiser
Year-long inquiry into CFMEU 'thuggery' begins
A commission of inquiry probing allegations of a criminal underbelly and intimidation tactics in the CFMEU has begun after a report revealed the union's unwavering pursuit of political and financial power. Queensland's 12-month commission of inquiry into the construction union began on Friday, helmed by experienced industrial relations lawyer Stuart Wood KC. The inquiry was launched after a damning report revealed serious allegations of "thuggery" in the Queensland branch, detailing occasions of union members calling safety inspectors "f***ing dogs", intimidating women and children. Bob Gee, who is taking leave from his role as director-general of the Youth Justice Department, will act as secretary in the inquiry. Mr Wood will have the power to compel witnesses to give evidence and documents to be tabled to the inquiry, as well as protecting victims and whistleblowers. "All Queenslanders deserve workplaces that are safe, respectful and operate within the framework of the law," Mr Wood said on Friday when the inquiry began. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie denied claims that Mr Wood's alleged links to the Liberal National Party as a member would hinder his role, saying there was no better qualified for the role. "He has to do his job independently, impartially and fairly," he told reporters on Friday. The CFMEU was placed into administration nationwide last August amid claims bikie and organised crime figures had infiltrated the organisation. But a report by barrister Geoffrey Watson, a former counsel assisting for NSW's Independent Commission Against Corruption, uncovered serious claims of abuse and intimidation in the Queensland branch. Mr Watson found details that scratched the surface of the CFMEU's "relentless" pursuit of political, industrial and financial power. It was revealed that the CFMEU in Queensland was willing to "crush" anyone who opposed its aims and there was an "obstinate refusal" from some witnesses to provide evidence. The inquiry has broad terms of reference, looking at instances of misconduct making workplaces unsafe for women and the systemic nature of misbehaviour by current and former CFMEU leadership figures. It will also probe the involvement of organised crime within the CFMEU and the broader construction industry and irregularities in financial dealings by the union. A financial audit by investigator KordaMentha in June uncovered the Queensland branch had a $272,946 "unexplained variance" between the cash balance and bank statement. It found CFMEUQ paid $5.5 million to suppliers in August 2024 but this is inconsistent with the monthly profit and loss statements that show expenses totalled $1.5 million. The inquiry is also set to investigate the impact of misconduct on Queensland's economy and construction of housing and transport infrastructure, including the Bruce Highway, Gold Coast Light Rail, Cross River Rail and Centenary Bridge. Mr Bleijie said 12 months was enough time for the inquiry to investigate matters under its terms of reference. A commission of inquiry probing allegations of a criminal underbelly and intimidation tactics in the CFMEU has begun after a report revealed the union's unwavering pursuit of political and financial power. Queensland's 12-month commission of inquiry into the construction union began on Friday, helmed by experienced industrial relations lawyer Stuart Wood KC. The inquiry was launched after a damning report revealed serious allegations of "thuggery" in the Queensland branch, detailing occasions of union members calling safety inspectors "f***ing dogs", intimidating women and children. Bob Gee, who is taking leave from his role as director-general of the Youth Justice Department, will act as secretary in the inquiry. Mr Wood will have the power to compel witnesses to give evidence and documents to be tabled to the inquiry, as well as protecting victims and whistleblowers. "All Queenslanders deserve workplaces that are safe, respectful and operate within the framework of the law," Mr Wood said on Friday when the inquiry began. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie denied claims that Mr Wood's alleged links to the Liberal National Party as a member would hinder his role, saying there was no better qualified for the role. "He has to do his job independently, impartially and fairly," he told reporters on Friday. The CFMEU was placed into administration nationwide last August amid claims bikie and organised crime figures had infiltrated the organisation. But a report by barrister Geoffrey Watson, a former counsel assisting for NSW's Independent Commission Against Corruption, uncovered serious claims of abuse and intimidation in the Queensland branch. Mr Watson found details that scratched the surface of the CFMEU's "relentless" pursuit of political, industrial and financial power. It was revealed that the CFMEU in Queensland was willing to "crush" anyone who opposed its aims and there was an "obstinate refusal" from some witnesses to provide evidence. The inquiry has broad terms of reference, looking at instances of misconduct making workplaces unsafe for women and the systemic nature of misbehaviour by current and former CFMEU leadership figures. It will also probe the involvement of organised crime within the CFMEU and the broader construction industry and irregularities in financial dealings by the union. A financial audit by investigator KordaMentha in June uncovered the Queensland branch had a $272,946 "unexplained variance" between the cash balance and bank statement. It found CFMEUQ paid $5.5 million to suppliers in August 2024 but this is inconsistent with the monthly profit and loss statements that show expenses totalled $1.5 million. The inquiry is also set to investigate the impact of misconduct on Queensland's economy and construction of housing and transport infrastructure, including the Bruce Highway, Gold Coast Light Rail, Cross River Rail and Centenary Bridge. Mr Bleijie said 12 months was enough time for the inquiry to investigate matters under its terms of reference. A commission of inquiry probing allegations of a criminal underbelly and intimidation tactics in the CFMEU has begun after a report revealed the union's unwavering pursuit of political and financial power. Queensland's 12-month commission of inquiry into the construction union began on Friday, helmed by experienced industrial relations lawyer Stuart Wood KC. The inquiry was launched after a damning report revealed serious allegations of "thuggery" in the Queensland branch, detailing occasions of union members calling safety inspectors "f***ing dogs", intimidating women and children. Bob Gee, who is taking leave from his role as director-general of the Youth Justice Department, will act as secretary in the inquiry. Mr Wood will have the power to compel witnesses to give evidence and documents to be tabled to the inquiry, as well as protecting victims and whistleblowers. "All Queenslanders deserve workplaces that are safe, respectful and operate within the framework of the law," Mr Wood said on Friday when the inquiry began. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie denied claims that Mr Wood's alleged links to the Liberal National Party as a member would hinder his role, saying there was no better qualified for the role. "He has to do his job independently, impartially and fairly," he told reporters on Friday. The CFMEU was placed into administration nationwide last August amid claims bikie and organised crime figures had infiltrated the organisation. But a report by barrister Geoffrey Watson, a former counsel assisting for NSW's Independent Commission Against Corruption, uncovered serious claims of abuse and intimidation in the Queensland branch. Mr Watson found details that scratched the surface of the CFMEU's "relentless" pursuit of political, industrial and financial power. It was revealed that the CFMEU in Queensland was willing to "crush" anyone who opposed its aims and there was an "obstinate refusal" from some witnesses to provide evidence. The inquiry has broad terms of reference, looking at instances of misconduct making workplaces unsafe for women and the systemic nature of misbehaviour by current and former CFMEU leadership figures. It will also probe the involvement of organised crime within the CFMEU and the broader construction industry and irregularities in financial dealings by the union. A financial audit by investigator KordaMentha in June uncovered the Queensland branch had a $272,946 "unexplained variance" between the cash balance and bank statement. It found CFMEUQ paid $5.5 million to suppliers in August 2024 but this is inconsistent with the monthly profit and loss statements that show expenses totalled $1.5 million. The inquiry is also set to investigate the impact of misconduct on Queensland's economy and construction of housing and transport infrastructure, including the Bruce Highway, Gold Coast Light Rail, Cross River Rail and Centenary Bridge. Mr Bleijie said 12 months was enough time for the inquiry to investigate matters under its terms of reference. A commission of inquiry probing allegations of a criminal underbelly and intimidation tactics in the CFMEU has begun after a report revealed the union's unwavering pursuit of political and financial power. Queensland's 12-month commission of inquiry into the construction union began on Friday, helmed by experienced industrial relations lawyer Stuart Wood KC. The inquiry was launched after a damning report revealed serious allegations of "thuggery" in the Queensland branch, detailing occasions of union members calling safety inspectors "f***ing dogs", intimidating women and children. Bob Gee, who is taking leave from his role as director-general of the Youth Justice Department, will act as secretary in the inquiry. Mr Wood will have the power to compel witnesses to give evidence and documents to be tabled to the inquiry, as well as protecting victims and whistleblowers. "All Queenslanders deserve workplaces that are safe, respectful and operate within the framework of the law," Mr Wood said on Friday when the inquiry began. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie denied claims that Mr Wood's alleged links to the Liberal National Party as a member would hinder his role, saying there was no better qualified for the role. "He has to do his job independently, impartially and fairly," he told reporters on Friday. The CFMEU was placed into administration nationwide last August amid claims bikie and organised crime figures had infiltrated the organisation. But a report by barrister Geoffrey Watson, a former counsel assisting for NSW's Independent Commission Against Corruption, uncovered serious claims of abuse and intimidation in the Queensland branch. Mr Watson found details that scratched the surface of the CFMEU's "relentless" pursuit of political, industrial and financial power. It was revealed that the CFMEU in Queensland was willing to "crush" anyone who opposed its aims and there was an "obstinate refusal" from some witnesses to provide evidence. The inquiry has broad terms of reference, looking at instances of misconduct making workplaces unsafe for women and the systemic nature of misbehaviour by current and former CFMEU leadership figures. It will also probe the involvement of organised crime within the CFMEU and the broader construction industry and irregularities in financial dealings by the union. A financial audit by investigator KordaMentha in June uncovered the Queensland branch had a $272,946 "unexplained variance" between the cash balance and bank statement. It found CFMEUQ paid $5.5 million to suppliers in August 2024 but this is inconsistent with the monthly profit and loss statements that show expenses totalled $1.5 million. The inquiry is also set to investigate the impact of misconduct on Queensland's economy and construction of housing and transport infrastructure, including the Bruce Highway, Gold Coast Light Rail, Cross River Rail and Centenary Bridge. Mr Bleijie said 12 months was enough time for the inquiry to investigate matters under its terms of reference.
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2 days ago
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Year-long inquiry into CFMEU 'thuggery' begins
A commission of inquiry probing allegations of a criminal underbelly and intimidation tactics in the CFMEU has begun after a report revealed the union's unwavering pursuit of political and financial power. Queensland's 12-month commission of inquiry into the construction union began on Friday, helmed by experienced industrial relations lawyer Stuart Wood KC. The inquiry was launched after a damning report revealed serious allegations of "thuggery" in the Queensland branch, detailing occasions of union members calling safety inspectors "f***ing dogs", intimidating women and children. Bob Gee, who is taking leave from his role as director-general of the Youth Justice Department, will act as secretary in the inquiry. Mr Wood will have the power to compel witnesses to give evidence and documents to be tabled to the inquiry, as well as protecting victims and whistleblowers. "All Queenslanders deserve workplaces that are safe, respectful and operate within the framework of the law," Mr Wood said on Friday when the inquiry began. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie denied claims that Mr Wood's alleged links to the Liberal National Party as a member would hinder his role, saying there was no better qualified for the role. "He has to do his job independently, impartially and fairly," he told reporters on Friday. The CFMEU was placed into administration nationwide last August amid claims bikie and organised crime figures had infiltrated the organisation. But a report by barrister Geoffrey Watson, a former counsel assisting for NSW's Independent Commission Against Corruption, uncovered serious claims of abuse and intimidation in the Queensland branch. Mr Watson found details that scratched the surface of the CFMEU's "relentless" pursuit of political, industrial and financial power. It was revealed that the CFMEU in Queensland was willing to "crush" anyone who opposed its aims and there was an "obstinate refusal" from some witnesses to provide evidence. The inquiry has broad terms of reference, looking at instances of misconduct making workplaces unsafe for women and the systemic nature of misbehaviour by current and former CFMEU leadership figures. It will also probe the involvement of organised crime within the CFMEU and the broader construction industry and irregularities in financial dealings by the union. A financial audit by investigator KordaMentha in June uncovered the Queensland branch had a $272,946 "unexplained variance" between the cash balance and bank statement. It found CFMEUQ paid $5.5 million to suppliers in August 2024 but this is inconsistent with the monthly profit and loss statements that show expenses totalled $1.5 million. The inquiry is also set to investigate the impact of misconduct on Queensland's economy and construction of housing and transport infrastructure, including the Bruce Highway, Gold Coast Light Rail, Cross River Rail and Centenary Bridge. Mr Bleijie said 12 months was enough time for the inquiry to investigate matters under its terms of reference.
Herald Sun
3 days ago
- Herald Sun
Bush Champions 2025: Meet the inspiring finalists for Australia's new rural leadership awards
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News. The finalists for the inaugural Bush Champions Awards have been unveiled, celebrating inspiring leaders in rural and regional communities across Australia. The awards, supported by Woolworths, are part of this year's Bush Summit series that culminates with events in Broome, Mount Gambier, Toowoomba, Wagga Wagga, Ballarat and Darwin in late August. RELATED: Bush Summit 2025: What you need to know Six emerging leaders under 30 have been short-listed for the Young Champion award including 28-year-old Victorian Tup Forge, who made history this month as the first Australian to win the women's ranch bronc world championship in the US. She only started training 18 months ago before soaring to the top of rodeo competitions. Victorian Tup Forge has been short-listed for the Young Champion award. Picture: Chuck Miner The Young Champion shortlist also includes Queensland's Jarib Branfield-Bradshaw; Melissa Wurramarrba from the Northern Territory; and Emma Godsell, Josh Hurst and Josie Clarke from New South Wales. In the Ag Champion category, those in the running are Hannah Bamford and Linda Widdup from Victoria; Richard Cannon, Christine Chirgwin, Colin Wren and Jo Marshall from New South Wales; Queenslanders Lyn French and Bim Struss; and South Australia's Ben Wundersitz. Tup rides her horse Done Deal. There are 15 nominees for the Community Champion award, including Queenslanders Louise Martin, Katrina Starmer, Uncle Bill Speedy, and Paula Pool and Demelza Gardem, as well as Linda Blackwood and Raine and Tristan Holcombe from the Northern Territory. There are also several Victorians in the running: Anita Donlan, Jackie Elliot, Mick Giddings, Carlee Knight, Grace Larson, Katrina Lumb, Dan Rosendahl, Cheryl Telford and Leigh Wilson. The winners of each category will receive $2000. Woolworths Group chief executive Amanda Bardwell hailed the finalists for their achievements in their communities. 'Through our incredible team who serve in regional communities across Australia, I've witnessed first-hand the remarkable leadership, innovation and resilience that defines rural and regional Australia,' she said. 'I'm proud that, through the Woolworths Bush Champions Awards, we can celebrate and recognise inspiring Australians who are making a meaningful difference in their communities every day.' The winners of each category will receive $2000, with the overall Woolworths Bush Champion to receive an extra $10,000. They will be announced at the Bush Summit National Dinner – to be attended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese – in Ballarat on August 28. To register to attend the Bush Summit event in your state, click here.
