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
What's inside the Epstein files released by the Justice Department

Unveiled: Key Insights from the Justice Department’s Release of Epstein Files

The Department of Justice has announced that more files will be released…

Man Charged for Inciting Violence in Shocking Beach Incident: What You Need to Know

In a concerning incident that has sparked widespread outrage, a man has…
A serious seatbelt fault could cause a passenger in the rear seats to become unrestrained in a crash in the Suzuki Fronx.

Urgent Recall Alert: Dangerous Safety Flaw Discovered in Popular Car Model Currently in Use

Australia’s car safety rating agency has warned passengers not to travel in…

Australia Reinforces Gun Safety: Albanese Launches Buyback Program Amid NSW’s New Restrictions

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that the government will introduce legislation…
Former NRL sideline reporter Tiffany Salmond is pictured while she was caught up in the mass shooting at Bondi

Bondi Massacre Survivor Advocates for Nationwide Justice Reform Inspired by New Zealand’s Approach

Former NRL media figure Tiffany Salmond is urging Australians to adopt a…
The Akrams are seen on CCTV at the Campsie property before the Bondi attack.

Shocking Bondi Attack: Gunmen Allegedly Launch Bombs into Crowd, Court Documents Unveil

In a shocking incident, the attackers at Bondi reportedly hurled shrapnel-filled bombs…
Massive bull shark caught off Queensland coast

Enormous Bull Shark Reeled In Near Queensland Coastline

A group of friends fishing off the coast of Queensland recently made…

Israel Greenlights 19 New West Bank Settlements in Strategic Move Against Palestinian Statehood

Israel has approved the establishment of 19 new settlements in the occupied…

Shocking Assassination: High-Profile Russian General Killed in Moscow Car Bomb Attack

An explosion in Moscow claimed the life of Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov…
Multiple gunmen open fire at a South African pub, killing nine and wounding 10

Tragic Shooting at South African Pub: Nine Killed, Ten Injured by Multiple Assailants

Nine individuals lost their lives, and at least 10 others sustained injuries…
Rapper Nicki Minaj has made a surprise appearance at a gathering of conservatives in Arizona.

Nicki Minaj Commends US President, Surprising Conservative Circles

Rapper Nicki Minaj made an unexpected visit to a conservative event in…

Tragic Mass Shooting in South Africa Claims Nine Lives, Leaves 10 Injured

Nine people were killed when gunmen opened fire at a bar outside…