QSTARS aims to provide all Queensland renters with high quality, free, independent tenant advisory services that assist tenants to manage and sustain their tenancies.
QSTARS is funded by the Queensland government, managed by Tenants Queensland and delivered in collaboration with partner organisations across Queensland.
QSTARS partners are Community Plus, Enhance Care, The Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre, Ipswich Regional Advocacy Service Inc, Mackay Regional Community Legal Centre and TASC Legal and Social Justice Services.
QSTARS aims to:
- increase Queensland renters’ understanding of tenancy issues, and their ability to understand and exercise their tenancy rights and responsibilities,
- empower and build the capacity of Queensland renters to act on their own to resolve issues relating to their tenancy,
- increase tenants’ capacity to maintain their tenancies and reduce their risk of homelessness,
- provide the minimum amount of intervention to facilitate the most positive outcome achievable for the person regarding their tenancy matters,
- reserve the highest level of resources and assistance for vulnerable and disadvantaged renters who require more intensive support to achieve the most positive outcome regarding their tenancy matters,
- provide a well-integrated network of QSTARS service providers through which high quality and consistent services are delivered.
Key features of QSTARS service delivery:
- QSTARS has a central point of contact through the statewide advice line, which provides advice, assessment and referral services,
- a client centred and flexible approach that considers the needs, ability and capacity of clients,
- a strongly connected network of services working together to deliver QSTARS program outcomes,
- access to expert tenancy advice and support,
- access to a range of service delivery outlets across Queensland,
- the development of Community Access Points across the state,
- consistent and high-quality services delivered across the state.
QSTARS provides tenancy advice and support services for Queensland renters depending on need and capacity to self-advocate. Services include:
- Information and referral – to assist callers to access information regarding their renting rights and responsibilities. This includes factsheets, a website and other information products.
- Individual advice and assistance – personalised advice and assistance about tenancy rights and available related services.
- Expert advice and professional support – specialist advice on tenancy rights and personalised support to exercise tenancy rights.
- Community education – development and delivery of tenancy information to the general public to assist them in understanding their renting rights and responsibilities.