Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House that the significant increase in people experiencing homelessness is not receiving the level of response that is required for the scale of this issue. At the 2021 Census it was calculated there were over 22,000 people either experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. In the three years since, these numbers have increased significantly and especially this year the rates of people living in a state of crisis has lifted exponentially. 

The current Labor government has done some work in talking to support services and commissioning a review into homeless responses, but nowhere near enough to have an impact on this crisis. We have capacity under disaster management principles to engage emergency shelters, and take a stronger Shelter First approach. With winter already upon us, not another day can be wasted. 

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to do all in its power to ensure that the government declare a state of emergency for people experiencing homelessness, and deploy all appropriate measures to provide shelter and support.