Vulnerable Queenslanders continue to be the most in need of homelessness services according to an Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report released today.
The 2017-18 report into specialist homelessness services showed 1 in 120 people in Queensland received homelessness services.
LNP Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Stephen Bennett said the latest report highlighted the damaging impacts of domestic and family violence.
"It's distressing to see 42 per cent of people that needed homelessness services in 2017-18 had experienced domestic and family violence," Mr Bennett said.
"As a father and grandfather, I find it shocking and saddening that for every 2 in 5 young people who accessed homeless services, domestic and family violence was a contributing factor.
"No one should have to choose between living in a violent domestic home or becoming homeless.
"It's clear more needs to be done by the Palaszczuk Labor Government to increase public awareness and protect the growing number of victims.
"On top of the hurt and pain that domestic and family violence inflicts, it has a cost of $22 billion to the national economy and we can't afford to stand still."
LNP Shadow Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Dr Christian Rowan said the report revealed more needed to be done to close the gap on indigenous disadvantage.
"Indigenous Queenslanders were receiving 36 per cent of homelessness services compared to 25 per cent nationally," Dr Rowan said.
"22 per cent of clients that received homeless services were indigenous children under 10 years old.
"No one should have to experience homelessness, especially our children.
"More clearly needs to be done to prevent domestic and family violence, and more needs to be done to keep our young people off the street."
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Report can be accessed at this link:
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/specialist-homelessness-services-2017-18/report-editions
