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

UK Plans New Legislation to Prohibit Cigarette Sales for Those Born After 2008

In brief A rolling age ban means children and anyone born in…
Jade Elston

Adelaide Family Turns to Crowdfunding for Son’s Urgent Cancer Treatment: A Community’s Call to Action

An Adelaide family has found themselves seeking help from the kindness of…
Emma Sleep mattress

Mattress Industry Leader Faces $15 Million Penalty for Deceptive Online Advertising

Mattress company Emma Sleep has been ordered to pay a $15 million…
Ed Sheeran's LOOP world tour got off to a flying start, raking in a staggering £5million per show during its opening leg

Ed Sheeran’s LOOP Tour: Unveiling the £5 Million Per Show Phenomenon!

Ed Sheeran’s LOOP world tour has started with remarkable success, earning an…
Robert F Kennedy has doubled down on Donald Trump's incorrect maths.

Trump and Kennedy’s Baffling Math Claims: Unraveling the Controversial Calculations

The President of the United States has consistently asserted that his initiatives…
The Australian soldiers who fought epic battle in the 'forgotten war'

Heroic Australian Soldiers Recall Epic Battle in the Overlooked Korean War

Anzac Day falls 75 years after Australian soldiers fought a bloody battle…
Ahead of the Budget delivery on Tuesday evening, Greens housing spokesman Max Chandler-Mather slammed the $9.3billion surplus as evidence of 'how little Labor cares about the housing crisis'

Budget 2024: Albo’s Challenger Unveils Key Oversight by Jim Chalmers

For the second consecutive year, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has announced a budget…

Woolworths Executive Announces Price Reductions Amid Evolving Inflationary Challenges

In brief: The supermarket giants are before Federal Court over accusations of…
Michelle Stalimeros (pictured) grew up in a 'chaotic' home where alcohol was woven into family life

Weekend Wine Habit Triggered Blackouts and Anxiety, Straining Marriage; Reflecting on Three Years of Sobriety

At first glance, Michelle Stalimeros appeared far from someone struggling with alcohol.…

Australian Women Confront Tough Decisions Amid National Crisis

in brief Experts are warning that the cost of living crisis is…

Unpacking the Key Issues in the NDIS Overhaul

In Brief Roughly 160,000 Australians are set to lose access to the…
The owner of a service station in Sydney has been left fuming after a truck driver stole close to $3000 worth of petrol in one hit.

Brazen Petrol Theft Sparks Outrage: Service Station Owner Fumes Over Fuel Heist

A Sydney gas station proprietor is up in arms after a truck…