Editorial: We can’t let children grow up like this

These are scenes we are more used to seeing in international cities, particularly in places such as the US. Not at home. And not in the electorate of our Premier, writes the editor.

Homeless living in Mckillop Park, Rothwell, part of Premier Steven Miles’s electorate. Picture: Liam Kidston

The number of Queenslanders seeking help from St Vinnies increased by 11.3 per cent in the year to March.

It’s no small number we’re talking about – a total of 262,336 Queenslanders have received support, the number climbing as the cost-of-living crisis bites harder and harder as the months drag on.

In Brisbane alone, this figure has climbed from 71,815 Queenslanders to just over 80,000 people in the past year.

Today we shine a light on a shocking tent city that has popped up in the Premier’s own electorate.

This is emblematic of the changing face of South East Queensland.

This community – which is made up of men and women who have full-time jobs and children – has grown steadily in the past year.

Rewind a year, and it used to be challenging to find real-life folk who were willing to tell their stories of homelessness. They were ashamed. They felt they’d failed somehow. But this reality is becoming so pervasive now, there are many willing to tell their story.

One woman, who is on maternity leave from a Queensland government job, told our reporter that some families are choosing to live in tents to save money and hopefully find a way back into the rental market or to save a deposit for a home.

“My next option is to live in a tent for a couple of weeks, save (money), get a caravan and then go from there,” she said.

“I don’t have to worry about real estate agents ... It’s really daunting. I’ve never been in this situation. A lot of people are finding themselves in these times.”

These are scenes we are more used to seeing in international cities, particularly in places such as the US. Not at home. And not in the electorate of our Premier.

At the same time, in the past 12 months, we’ve seen the tented communities grow in South Brisbane and West End.

The Courier-Mail has previously reported that these communities include young children.

This tension over cost of living and housing has plagued the state government in the past 12 months and will be a serious factor at play when Queenslanders head to the polls this year. It is also the reason the government is at pains to wind back any perception it is splashing cash around on vanity projects.

But that’s not enough to solve the problem.

Meanwhile, the Pinkenba quarantine facility remains empty.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has repeatedly called on the state government to convert the location into a homeless facility while the state and federal governments have buck-passed on the white elephant.

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon committed $10m last year to turn the 500-bed site into temporary accommodation, but so far nothing has happened.

Against a backdrop where Queenslanders are sheltering in a tent city in the Premier’s electorate, it is hard to fathom why this facility wouldn’t be made useable as a matter of priority.

This paper has repeatedly called for creative solutions to the housing crisis. The term “crisis” is not one we use lightly.

The onus is now on both major parties to fix the problem. We cannot let children grow up in these circumstances. The Courier-Mail has invited both leaders to a cost-of-living debate and we hope they come to the table with solutions.

NO PLACE FOR RACISM IN RUGBY LEAGUE

ARLC boss Peter V’landys has vowed to stamp out racism in the great game of rugby league.

It was a welcome intervention of common sense after the supremely disappointing spectacle that marred the Las Vegas success story.

Roosters prop Spencer Leniu was charged by the NRL for alleged racial abuse of Broncos rival Ezra Mam.

Mam claimed Leniu called him a “monkey” on field in the epic Vegas season opener.

Leniu will have to face a judicial hearing that is being cast as a litmus test of the NRL’s stance on racism.

V’landys told our reporter: “We certainly will not tolerate any form of racism ... full stop.”

“At the same time, the player has to be given due process and natural justice so it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further,” he said, adding: “But we take these matters seriously.”

Yes, Leniu deserves to have a hearing and he has the right to a fair trial over the matter. He is reportedly unhappy about being placed on report for the alleged incident. Immediately after the full-time siren he told Triple M “it’s all just fun and games on the field”.

Mam’s teammates say he was deeply upset by the alleged incident. There is no place for racism in the sport we love.

This isn’t the first allegation of on-field racism in Australian sport but we must hope for a future where it’s the last.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Chris Jones, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details here

Originally published as Editorial: We can’t let children grow up like this