About SAPA

SAPA is the peak body representing private-sector residential service providers in Queensland. We advocate for the industry and for the rights of our residents. We are a collective voice that gives strength and unity to our stakeholders.

We represent member and resident interests across a range of roles within government (including regulatory departments and agencies), health sectors and other key stakeholders.

Our diverse membership makes SAPA the leading ‘voice of residential services’ in QLD. We are dedicated to meeting the needs of our Members by providing:

  • A strong and influential voice leading the agenda on issues of importance
  • Access to valuable and value-adding information, advice, services and support
  • Value for money by delivering our services and supports efficiently and effectively

For many residents, the facilities become their home, and the people they live with become their family. Whether or not you are eligible for NDIS, My Aged Care or other supports – you can find a safe and suitable home with one of our members.

What we do

Advocacy

SAPA’s advocacy work includes:

  • Regular engagement with members to identify emerging trends and major issues affecting their delivery of residential services. 
  • Actively responding to critical issues that may impact the quality of services that our members provide, as well as the viability of the sector.
  • Effective engagement with the government to lobby for the best outcomes in the provision of high quality, affordable, sustainable and accessible accommodation services.

MEMBER SUPPORT

SAPA supports its members by:

  • Providing regular meetings and networking opportunities for operators to raise emerging issues and to learn from each other.

  • Providing communications which cover emerging issues and facilitate training opportunities.

  • Providing members with discounted or preferential access to key sector suppliers.

  • Offering peer support on:

    • Issues with government departments

    • Accreditation standards

    • Responding to changing regulatory environment

    • Designing standardised industry templates

    • Exchanging ideas, documentation and assisting members to solve problems

    • Ad hoc facilitation of staff/member training courses

    • Networking

    • First Aid

    • Contacting preferred contractors

    • Contacting preferred suppliers

Membership is open to all facilities who have, or are intending to achieve, registration and accreditation as a Residential Service with Department of Housing and Public Works.

For further information about becoming a SAPA member please contact us.

Code of Conduct

  • Act with care and diligence
  • Treat everyone with respect and courtesy, and free from harassment
  • Comply with all applicable Australian & Queensland laws*
  • Maintain appropriate privacy and confidentiality of members and others
  • Disclose, and take reasonable steps to avoid, any conflict of interest (real or perceived) in connection with SAPA membership
  • Behave in a way that upholds SAPA values at all times
  • Maintain principles of honesty and integrity
  • Ensure that any SAPA business is carried out efficiently and effectively
  • Clarify whether speaking on behalf of the Association or as a private individual
  • Ensure all member’s facilities are appropriately registered and accredited

History of SAPA

SAPA was established and incorporated in 1994 by a group of private accommodation providers to establish a set of minimum standards for housing vulnerable people.

Working parties were established with private owners and Government to review industry practices. The Hostel Industry Development Unit (HIDU) was formulated in which the intention was to set a benchmark standard across Queensland to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all residents living in a residential service.

Standards that were set included fire safety, house rules and training – which  led to the registration and accreditation of the industry in accordance with the newly established Accommodation and Accreditation Bills and Standards, now managed by Residential Services within the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy.

As a result of SAPA’s efforts, legislation was introduced in 2002.

All members of SAPA are registered and accredited by Residential Services, where a close working relationship is maintained between the two parties.