Six ways governments can support Queensland families and children:
When we invest in children and families, we change lives and secure Queensland’s future.
If government becomes an enabler - working with families, communities, and the services that support them, we can turn things around.
develop a Families strategy
Develop a whole-of-government Families Strategy that includes both universal and targeted commitments, coordinating efforts across government, including in education, health and housing. This portfolio area should also have responsibility for overseeing data collection, data linkage and integrated policy responses for children and families.
Within this portfolio area, greater linkages with the Commonwealth Government would help to ensure there is a common approach and shared learning about best practice in working with children and families experiencing disadvantage. The Strategy should include measurable KPIs linked to health and wellbeing.
focus on Secure housing for families
There are 10,511 households with children awaiting housing on the social housing register in Queensland. More than 90 per cent are single-parent headed households.
Queensland is in an unabating housing crisis. Families and children are unable to thrive without the most basic material need – a roof over their heads. The Queensland Government should act as a matter of urgency to ensure all families with children have unconditional access to stable housing.
This includes fixing access and eligibility for social housing, reducing wait times, and reforming the Immediate Housing Response so no family is pushed into homelessness.
Ensure all kids are learning
Queensland must ensure that every child can learn, thrive and stay engaged in education, no matter their postcode or circumstances. This requires investment in wraparound, community-connected school hubs, accessible and flexible, culturally safe schooling models that keep children engaged rather than excluded.
improve access to health services
Queensland must ensure that every child and family can access the health care they need, when and where they need it. This includes expanding universal school and community food programs and embedding GPs, nurses and allied health professionals in schools.
Government must also urgently improve access to mental health services by funding high intensity, sub acute mental health services for children, young people and parents.
Increase income support
Queensland’s children cannot thrive if their families cannot afford life’s essentials.
Over 90,000 families with children in Queensland access income support payments (single and partnered parenting payments) for their daily living needs. The Commonwealth Government must lift income support payments above the poverty line.
Invest in community services
that deliver for local communities
Queensland’s community service sector is a vital element of resilient and thriving communities across our state. From providing supports for children and families to thrive, to supporting communities in crisis, community organisations are there when Queenslanders need them most.
Strategic, long-term investment in Queensland’s social infrastructure is required to ensure that all children, families and communities are thriving. As a priority, the Queensland Government should implement the community service procurement principles as committed to before the 2024 election, and develop a community services workforce strategy.
Investing in children and families is the best choice we can make to change lives today and secure Queensland’s future.