In the lead up to the 2024 state election (held on 26 October 2024), NCQ listened to Neighbourhood Centres needs and delivered the first state election policy platform with six key priorities to government. NCQ and Neighbourhood Centres socialised and publicised the platform, seeking commitments for the recommendations from elected state members and candidates from all parties.
NCQ’s political advocacy work starts and ends with the voice and participation of Neighbourhood Centres. The development of the state election platform began through consultation with regional networks of Centres. This resulted in a variety of suggestions, including the need for more workers to distribute emergency relief, to advance organisational development, implementation of new guidelines, funding for unfunded Centres, enhancements to physical infrastructure, and concerns regarding potential changes in government and the funding uplift.
Themes were identified, recommendations drafted, and feedback from Centres welcomed. NCQ also consulted with political experts, partner organisations and the NCQ board.
Our six key priorities for the 2024 Queensland election included:
1. Build more vibrant, inclusive and supported communities by continuing implementation of the Shared Vision for Neighbourhood Centres and current funding agreements
2. Deliver a Neighbourhood Centre for every Queenslander by funding a minimum of 20 additional Neighbourhood Centres across the state
3. Support community members with complex cost of living issues, housing pressures, domestic violence and mental health issues by expanding the Community Connect Worker program from 32 Neighbourhood Centres to 129 Centres
4. Support adaptation and growth of existing Neighbourhood Centres by providing a once-off grant to Neighbourhood Centres to adopt the recent changes arising from the Shared Vision for Neighbourhood Centres
5. Ensure relief is available to people in crisis facing cost-of-living emergencies by making State Flexible Emergency Relief funding permanently available for funded Neighbourhood Centres to distribute
6. Develop the workforce and sector to respond to increasing community and government demand by investing in the peak body, Neighbourhood Centres Queensland (NCQ), to support sector development.
The election policy platform was shared with 93 State MPs and opposing candidates in marginal seats, as well as with the Department of Premier and Cabinet and DTATSIPCA to inform future internal budget submissions.
Under the new LNP-led government, NCQ continued to advocate for the policy platform to advance the Neighbourhood Centre movement across the state.