STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Ms COFFEY (Griffith) (13:34): It would be hard to find a local in my community who isn't heartbroken or distressed by the sustained levels of visible rough sleeping. Homelessness is frustratingly the most pointy end of our nation's housing crisis. It impacts our community's most vulnerable.

It was an issue that was raised with me daily during the election campaign. Everyone deserves the dignity and security of a safe place to call home, and we know that health and housing go hand in hand. That's why I worked hard to secure a $14 million commitment from the Albanese Labor government for a new health and housing hub, serving South Brisbane, West End and surrounding suburbs.

Last month, I was delighted to announce that Micah Projects had secured a site in South Brisbane to bring these important services to life. Once operational, the hub will offer free primary health care and allied health services, including bulk-billed GP and nursing care, dental services, podiatry, women's health services and wellness therapies. Importantly, these services will be delivered alongside integrated housing and homelessness supports.

This investment sits alongside the Albanese Labor government's record $47 billion housing investment, including 55,000 social and affordable homes, with 7,200 now complete and 23,000 in planning or under construction. For more than 30 years, Micah Projects has supported some of Brisbane's most vulnerable people. I want to thank their acting CEO, Bridget, and the Ellen Whitty Trust for their work in making this project become a reality, and I also want to thank Micah Projects founder and recently retired CEO Karyn Walsh AM.

This investment is about giving people experiencing hardship the support they need to get back on their feet, because everyone deserves the opportunity to be well, stay well and live in a safe—