Tenant News March 2007

• Minister’s message

  I was very pleased to be appointed Minister for Housing for another term following the State election in September last year. The Department of Housing is in a strong position to continue implementing the Government’s strategic direction for housing in Queensland over the next three years.

• Director-General’s message

  Over the next 12 months, the department will maintain its focus on the alignment of policies and practices to deliver its services through one social housing system.

• Ongoing Eligibility policy ensures assistance for those most in need

  The number of Queenslanders seeking housing assistance continues to grow. With approximately 34,000 people waiting for assistance, the department is constantly reviewing its policies and practices to ensure housing assistance is provided to those people in greatest need.

• Rebates available to tenants who purchase rainwater tanks

  The State Government recently extended its rainwater tank rebate scheme to include Department of Housing tenants. Tenants who purchase and install a rainwater tank may apply for a rebate of up to $1,000 through the Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme.

• More information for people starting or returning to work

  In the July 2006 tenant newsletter, the department provided important information for tenants on Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs payments.

• EasyPay

  Department of Housing tenants are finding it easy to pay their rent electronically using the EasyPay facility. EasyPay can save you time and effort and ensures that the rent is always paid. It is free of any charges from the department or Centrelink.

• Water saving a priority

  With the recent introduction of level four water restrictions across South East Queensland, all households should be aware of the ways they can comply with the restrictions and help save water.

• Income Confirmation Service

  The Income Confirmation Service allows the Department of Housing to electronically request your income and asset information directly from Centrelink, to complete your annual rent review.

• Caring callers offer friendship and security

  St John Ambulance is a worldwide, voluntary, self-funded charitable organisation, dedicated to helping people in times of sickness, distress, suffering or danger. The caring callers of the St John Ambulance Silver Cord Program help a wide range of vulnerable people in the community, through a simple phone call.

• Leaving your property for a short time?

  Will you be leaving your rental property for a short time? It is important to let the Department of Housing know if you will be away for longer than two weeks.

• Experiences with tenant participation

  Lynne’s story, Lorraine’s story.

• Your say matters to us

  During February 2007, Roy Morgan Research will send letters and survey forms to a random selection of tenants to answer questions about the department’s standard of service.

• Get involved through tenant participation

  There are many opportunities for tenants across the State to be involved with their local communities through tenant participation. All Department of Housing tenants and household members are welcome to participate in their local tenant group.

• Queensland Public Tenants Association gives tenants a voice: public tenants make enormous contribution to their local communities

  This heading is what we would love to regularly see in the press. Unfortunately, the ‘good stories’ about public housing are often overlooked and the negative and sensational stories tend to appear in the newspapers.

• Tenant News goes audio

  If you have a vision or other impairment that means it would be easier for you to receive this newsletter on audio tape instead of a paper copy, please phone (07) 3238 3970 to talk to a staff member.

• Maintenance contact details

  Maintenance contact details.

• Have your say on your newsletter

  Please contact us with your news, views, handy hints and ideas for future newsletter stories.