Analysis of the Supported Accommodation Assistance Act 1994 (SAAP Act) and Disparities in Queensland’s Funding Model

The Supported Accommodation Assistance Act 1994 (SAAP Act) establishes a national framework for jointly funded homelessness and supported accommodation services between the Commonwealth and State Governments.

Key Objectives of SAAP

  • 📌 Provide financial assistance to States for homelessness services and supported accommodation.
  • 📌 Ensure access to transitional, crisis, and long-term housing for vulnerable individuals.
  • 📌 Encourage partnerships between government and non-government service providers.
  • 📌 Promote the dignity, independence, and self-reliance of people experiencing homelessness.

Key Funding Mechanisms Under the SAAP Act

Financial Assistance Grants to States
  • ✅ The Commonwealth provides funding to the States under SAAP agreements (Section 18).
  • ✅ Funding is appropriated by Parliament and delivered through State-administered programs.
Obligations of the State Governments
  • ✅ States must use federal SAAP funding to administer homelessness and supported accommodation services.
  • ✅ They must ensure access to a range of services, including crisis accommodation, transitional housing, and long-term supported accommodation (Section 7).
  • ✅ Regular reporting and outcome tracking are required.
Supported Services Under SAAP Agreements
  • 🏠 Crisis accommodation (emergency shelters).
  • 🏠 Transitional supported accommodation (short- to medium-term housing).
  • 🏠 Long-term supported accommodation (boarding houses, disability support housing).
  • 📢 Case management, outreach, and referral services.

While SAAP mandates co-funding between the Federal and State Governments, Queensland’s implementation is highly restrictive, excluding many boarding houses and supported accommodation providers from government support.

SAAP Act (Federal Model) Queensland Model Disparities & Shortfalls
Jointly funded by the Federal & State Governments. Queensland only funds Community Housing Providers (CHPs). Queensland does not distribute SAAP-equivalent funds to private boarding houses or supported accommodation.
Supports crisis, transitional, and long-term accommodation. Only CHPs receive funding; crisis and boarding houses get no support. Many critical services are excluded, creating service gaps.
Encourages flexible partnerships between government and private providers. Funding is limited to government-approved providers. Private providers cannot apply for funding, preventing new entrants from helping the crisis.
Obligates States to report on homelessness funding outcomes. No transparency in Queensland’s funding allocations. No accountability for why supported accommodation is not funded.
  • 🚨 Thousands of supported accommodation beds have been lost due to lack of financial support.
  • 🚨 Vulnerable residents pay up to 95% of their Centrelink income to cover costs in supported accommodation.
  • 🚨 Limited funding options for crisis housing & transitional accommodation create longer waitlists.
  • 🚨 Queensland’s approach contradicts the SAAP principles, which require States to fund a broad range of supported housing options.

4.1 Expand Eligibility for State Funding to Boarding Houses & Supported Accommodation

  • ✅ Modify the Housing Act 2003 to allow boarding houses and supported accommodation providers to receive funding.
  • ✅ Ensure crisis housing providers can access SAAP-equivalent funding.

4.2 Introduce a State-Funded Rental Assistance Program for Supported Accommodation

  • ✅ Subsidize rent costs for supported accommodation residents.
  • ✅ Mandate rent caps to prevent overcharging vulnerable residents.

4.3 Increase Transparency in Funding Allocation & Reporting

  • ✅ Require annual reporting on State homelessness funding.
  • ✅ Create clear registration pathways for non-government housing providers.