- The Crisafulli Government’s 2026-27 Budget strengthens the foundations for a fresh start with a record investment in social and community housing, homeless services and crisis support.
- More than $1 billion to be invested into frontline housing and homelessness services and crisis accommodation, including $450 million funding increase to provide certainty for specialist homelessness services and peak and industry bodies.
- Long-term agreement ahead of the 2032 Games allows Emmanuel City Mission’s Night Sanctuary to operate 7 nights a week, with funding to refurbish the building and support up to 110 beds for rough sleepers each night.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering more support for Queenslanders experiencing homelessness in Brisbane with long-term funding for Emmanuel City Mission’s (ECM) Night Sanctuary in the 2026-27 Budget.
The Budget delivers the largest ever investment into building new social and community housing, with $5.725 billion to continue and grow the record 6,500 social and affordable homes currently underway and help deliver a place to call home for more Queenslanders.
A $450 million boost to specialist homelessness services and crisis support will ensure more than $1 billion is delivered for homelessness services over four years.
Labor’s approach to housing relied on temporary fixes and hypothetical homes with supply going nowhere near meeting demand and too many Queenslanders being forced into homelessness.
Instead of reforming the system and investing in long term housing pathways, the former Labor Government left frontline services stretched with year-by-year funding and vulnerable Queenslanders without the support or shelter they needed.
The Budget provides long-term funding to refurbish the existing Emmanuel City Mission building and provide ongoing operational support allowing the service to expand to operate seven nights a week with up to 110 beds each night.
Night Sanctuary is an overnight service offering safety and rest for people experiencing homelessness or hardship at Emmanuel City Mission’s premises in South Brisbane.
Currently operating as a small trial one-night a week with an average of 30 guests, Emmanuel City Mission’s Night Sanctuary provides a safe space at the end of the day for people sleeping rough to share a meal, be safe and be cared for through the night.
Minister for Housing and Public Works, Sam O’Connor, said securing long-term support for frontline homelessness services was an important part of the Government’s record investment in housing and homelessness support.
“For too long, homelessness services were left relying on short-term funding and uncertainty while more Queenslanders fell through the cracks,” Minister O’Connor said.
“This Budget delivers the long-term funding our homelessness services need to plan ahead so they can focus on Queensland’s most vulnerable people.
“By securing ongoing funding for Emmanuel City Mission’s Night Sanctuary, we’re ensuring more Queenslanders experiencing homelessness have access to a safe place, a warm meal and the support when they need it most.
“This is the start of our 2032 Games housing legacy to make sure no one gets left behind as we prepare to welcome the world and it’s just part of our record investment of more than $1 billion in homelessness services and crisis support to help more Queenslanders with housing.”
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said supporting frontline organisations was an important part of addressing homelessness in Brisbane.
“Behind every homelessness statistic is a person, and sometimes a safe night’s sleep is what helps someone take their next step forward,” Cr Shrinner said.
“We’re proud to support Emmanuel City Mission because they provide practical help with dignity, compassion and care to people who need it most.
“The Night Sanctuary is already making a real difference by providing safety, warmth and stability for people who would otherwise be sleeping rough.
“Our investment will help Emmanuel City Mission grow their important work so more Brisbane residents can access a safe place to sleep and connect with the support they need.
“It’s one of the ways we’re supporting those doing it tough and helping create a better Brisbane for our most vulnerable residents.”
Catholic Archbishop of Brisbane, Shane Mackinlay, said the funding commitment would provide certainty for a service that supports some of Brisbane’s most vulnerable people.
“Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion and to know they have a safe place to turn in times of hardship,” said Catholic Archbishop of Brisbane Shane Mackinlay.
“This commitment provides certainty for a service that offers practical support, connection and hope to people experiencing homelessness in Brisbane.
“We welcome this investment and the recognition that partnerships between government, community organisations and people of faith can make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable Queenslanders.”
Emmanuel City Mission Founder, Roby Curtis, said the funding would allow the Night Sanctuary to expand its support for people sleeping rough in Brisbane.
“This funding commitment is transformational for Emmanuel City Mission and the people we serve,” Mr Curtis said.
“The Night Sanctuary was created to ensure people sleeping rough have somewhere safe, welcoming and supportive to spend the night, and this investment gives us the certainty to operate seven nights a week.
“Every night we see the difference that a meal, a safe place to rest and a caring community can make.
“We are grateful for this partnership and look forward to helping more people take the next step towards stability, housing and a brighter future.”
