Queensland Shelter is a community based state-wide housing policy peak committed to working towards a fairer and more just housing system. We provide an independent voice on housing rights and provide a link between government and the community through consultation, research and policy advice. We represent the interests of low income housing consumers in Queensland.

Queensland Shelter has identified a need for a co-ordinated government approach to affordable housing. Our membership is looking for a balanced set of programs that intervene at various points along the continuum of housing needs, particularly where the private market does not function effectively. Our ultimate aim is to see Queensland provided with an adequate supply of affordable and permanent accommodation designed to meet the needs of the community.

Queensland Shelter wants a system that allows sufficient flexibility to meet local needs and particular market circumstances. We encourage lateral connections across a range of portfolio responsibilities eg planning, health, education, immigration and transport. These proposed connections need Federal, State, and Local Government to take leadership of the problem and to commit to appropriate funding.

Safe, secure and affordable housing is intrinsically linked to and underpins all human activity and every aspect of life and as such it should be seen as a fundamental requirement for economic well being. As a priority Queensland Shelter believes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Strategy should be developed (through extensive consultation) with this client group as a matter of urgency.

The key elements of Queensland Shelter¡¦s priorities are:
„X Housing Peaks
„X Home Ownership
„X Private Rental
„X Social Housing
„X Rural and Regional Housing
„X Homelessness
„X Housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
„X Housing for Ethnic Minorities and Refugees
„X Housing for specific demographic groups
„X Caravan parks and villages
„X Planning

Queensland Shelter has been instrumental in creating consumer and research based policies in the areas of:
Housing affordability and home ownership
Rental affordability
Social Housing including public, social, community, rural housing and supported accommodation.
Homelessness
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing, Housing for Ethnic Minorities and Refugees, people with disabilities.
Women,young people, seniors and the aged.
Caravan Parks and planning.

We are currently assisting our branches to research funding for local housing directories,community forums, homeless census,local housing needs analysis, and community housing based research.