New independent Tenants Advisory Service Up and Running
A new interim tenant’s advisory phone service has gone live today, providing Queensland tenants with independent help and advice and delivering on a Palaszczuk Government election commitment.
Speaking in State Parliament, Minister for Housing and Public Works Leeanne Enoch said the service will help thousands of Queensland tenants in both the public and private sectors.
“After the last Government cut funding to the previous Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service, tenants were left without an independent body to provide advice and support services in an area where disputes can be complex, confusing, and intimidating,” Ms Enoch said.
“Re-establishing the service will help tenants navigate their way through the tenancy market, and help them know their rights and obligations.”
Ms Enoch said that to ensure tenants have access to help as soon as possible, the Department of Housing has worked with Tenants Queensland and Enhance Care to develop a telephone advisory service.
“These organisations were chosen as they have the necessary experience, skills and existing infrastructure to become operational quickly. This service will be a temporary measure while work continues on designing a broader tenant advice service,” she said.
Tenants Queensland (TQ) spokesperson Ms Penny Carr said that the organisation was delighted to be part of this project.
“Since the previous funding cut we know that only a very small percentage of tenants seeking advice have managed to get through to us. This project will bring immediate relief to renters across the State”, said Ms Carr.
Any tenants needing advice can contact the service on 1300 744 263.
Source: News Release, Government of Queensland, 03 June, 2015