Peter's message to politicians after spinal tumour left him unable to live with his family
Share this @internewscast.com

Peter Steenstrup has not lived with his family for more than five years.

The former builder, husband, and father has been unable to return to his pre-war, colonial home in Brisbane‘s leafy suburb of Sherwood since becoming a paraplegic due to a spinal tumour in 2020.

Living alone, away from his wife, takes a toll, he told 9news.com.au.

Peter Steenstrup worked in the building industry for more than 40 years. He wants Queensland to keep the accessibility standards in the National Construction Code mandatory.(Getty)

Spinal Life Australia wants the requirements to remain mandatory.

They claim that implementing accessibility requirements can save taxpayers millions in the long run by lessening the necessity for home modifications, hospitalizations, and aged care admissions.

CEO Mark Townend said the lack of reliable data about supply and demand of accessible housing is a major issue.

“The costs to the community of lack of accessible housing is estimated to be between $3 billion and $6.7 billion,” he said.

“It is evident that a significantly greater supply of accessible housing is needed, and relying on the construction industry to voluntarily provide this has failed to yield any noticeable outcomes.”

“Spinal Life Australia is committed to advocating for individuals with disabilities, and strongly urges the Queensland Government to dismiss the QPC’s suggestion and maintain the Liveable Housing Standard.”

Steenstrup plans to return to his family home once he has the funds to make essential modifications, which include lifting the house and constructing underneath it.

He says the cost of making it accessible for him in the process is no more so than it would be otherwise.

“There’s no extra real-world costs involved, we’ve just got to lay it out in a way that’s specific to my needs,” he said.

He wants the state to retain the Liveable Housing Standard to ensure there is enough accessible homes for Queensland’s growing and ageing population.

“We need this in place as a bare minimum just to support our population,” he said.

“We’re a quarter of the way into the 21st century and this idea sends us backwards.

“Very shortly, we’re gonna have the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

“They’re gonna see Queensland, how we treat the most vulnerable in our society.”

The Queensland government is awaiting the complete report from the Queensland Productivity Commission, expected to be submitted to the treasurer on October 24, before evaluating any findings or suggestions.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Bumpy road ahead for Australia's bicycle industry

Australia’s Bicycle Industry Faces Turbulent Times: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Christmas couldn’t come fast enough for the Australian bicycle industry, which has…
New Salvation Army research suggests many Australians will feel loneliness and isolation this Christmas.

Study Uncovers Surprising Seasonal Sadness: Christmas in Australia Faces Emotional Challenges

Recent findings indicate that financial struggles are prompting numerous Australians to skip…
German man found guilty of drugging, raping and filming his wife for years

German Man Convicted for Years-Long Abuse and Secret Recording of Wife

A German man has been found guilty of drugging and raping his…

Albanese Administration Identifies Target Groups in Effort to Curb Hate Speech

The Albanese government has plans to introduce a new legal framework to…
NSW Premier doubles down on gun reforms, says more changes are imminent

NSW Premier Advocates for Stricter Gun Laws: Major Reforms on the Horizon

Chris Minns has described NSW‘s newly passed gun reforms as “the toughest…
The search was scaled back at 1pm today.

Efforts to Locate Missing Fisherman off NSW South Coast Reduced After Three-Day Search

The multi-agency search for a rock fisherman who was last seen on…

Albanese Announces Special Honours List to Recognize Bondi Heroes

Heroes, first responders, medical staff and others who stepped up to help…
Queensland rain

Urgent Alerts: Queensland Braces for Severe Flooding After Christmas

Starting tomorrow and continuing through the weekend, the Bureau of Meteorology predicts…
Heavy swell threw the four men out of their 5.7 aluminium cruiser into the ocean.

Four Individuals Safely Rescued Following Boat Capsize Near Perth

Four men are expressing relief after a harrowing ordeal that left them…
In a video now amassing more than 1.6 million views, one eager father has been publicly shamed, wrongly accused and humiliated in front of other shoppers at a festive charity drive organised by  well-known reality TV star and one of Australia's strongest men, Jaden Laing

Reality TV Star’s $10,000 Christmas Gesture Goes Awry as Father’s Public Embarrassment Unfolds Unexpectedly

A festive charity initiative by a reality TV personality has spiraled into…
Operation Shelter was first established in October 2023.

Police Intensify Anti-Hate Crime Efforts Following Bondi Incident

NSW Police has conducted more than 2600 taskings surrounding antisemitism and hate…

Essential Guide to Buying Sunglasses: What You Need to Know for Ultimate Eye Protection and Style

With summer well and truly here, you might be in the market…