Burnett MP Stephen Bennett calls out Miles Government housing crisis

A Burnett MP has slammed the state government for not providing access to a housing within hours of the Premier announcing a multimillion-dollar boost to Wide Bay homelessness services.

Burnett MP Stephen Bennett (right) and Principal of First National Real Estate Bundaberg Justin Mayberry (right) have called out the state government's handling of the ongoing housing crisis.

A Burnett MP has slammed the state government, claiming Labor and local representatives have failed to take the state’s housing crisis seriously.

Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett fronted the media on Wednesday, February 7 where he claimed the Miles government was delivering false promises for Queensland residents struggling to find a home.

“Unfortunately, when a government runs out of ways to fix the problems they’ve created, they turn to announcements,” he said.

Mr Bennett said the state government had failed to deliver on multiple housing promises including hundreds of built-to-rent units and homes under the Housing Investment Fund.

“The number of stamp duty concessions in Queensland have also collapsed with residents priced out and taxed through the roof,” he said.

“Meanwhile lot and building approvals have decreased by 30 per cent.”

Mr Bennett further claimed infrastructure investment failures had resulted in homelessness.

“When you don’t invest in vital infrastructure, forward planning, working with industry, and reducing fees and charges, you condemn some locals to live in parks and under bridges,” he said.

“Housing is a human right and under this state government, there’s no end in sight to the crisis.”

Burnett MP Stephen Bennett (right) and Principal of First National Real Estate Bundaberg Justin Mayberry (right) have called out the state government's handling of the ongoing housing crisis.

First National Real Estate Bundaberg principal Justin Mayberry backed the MP’s claims the responsibility of the housing crisis sat squarely on the shoulders of the state government.

“Despite being well aware of the pressing need for affordable housing, they have failed to implement effective policies, instead, relying heavily on the private sector to address the issue,” Mr Mayberry said.

“This approach has left countless Queenslanders struggling to find suitable, affordable homes, leading to a growing homelessness problem.”

Hours after the Burnett MP held his press event in the heart of Bundaberg, the Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith shared the news of a Miles Government funding boost for Wide Bay homelessness services.

The 20 per cent boost, equal to $2.2 million, is aimed at providing emergency accommodation and rental support for struggling Queenslanders.

The housing plan will go towards specialist homelessness services including the RHL Supported Accommodation Assistance Program, Bundaberg Hostel, CentaCare Hervey Bay Emergency and Community Housing Service and Good Hope Men’s Service.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles and Housing Minister Meghan Scanlon at a new housing build in Brisbane’s northern suburbs. Picture: Glenn Campbell/NCA NewsWire

“For those who fall through the cracks – we need to support our homelessness organisations so they can deliver better services and get people who are sleeping rough into crisis accommodation, and eventually into permanent places to call home,” Premier Steven Miles said.

“I have seen first-hand the conditions and living situation of Queenslanders who are struggling with the cost-of-living, which is affecting people right across the country.”

“This funding will go directly to the organisations and the tireless workers at the coalface, who already know the sector and have developed programs and services to target needs.”

Mr Smith welcomed the funding boost and the extra support it would provide to necessary services in the region.

“Homelessness and vulnerability are complex matters not hidden from our Bundaberg community,” he said.

“I regularly engage with those families and individuals facing the very real challenges before them and am proud to work in connection with our extremely dedicated and hardworking housing service centre and community housing support providers.”

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon responded to the claims from Mr Bennett, claiming the only risk to Queenslanders receiving homes was the LNP.

“Stephen Bennett was part of an LNP government that sent social housing go backwards by 428 homes and cut 1600 QBuild workers,” she said.

“Under the LNP there were less homes completed, commenced and approved across the board on average compared to our government.”

“ Yesterday, the LNP fronted media and said that our plan was too much. That can only mean one thing: they are going to cut, which is exactly what they did last time.”