Brisbane Youth Service (BYS) is pleased to announce that Chief Executive Officer, Pam Barker, has been appointed Co-Chair of the Supportive Housing Sub-Committee within the Queensland Government’s Homelessness Ministerial Advisory Council (HMAC).
Pam will serve alongside Sue Pope, CEO of Common Ground, in leading the Sub-Committee’s efforts to advance supportive housing solutions across the state.
CEO Pam Barker with members of the Supportive Housing Subcommittee
The Supportive Housing Sub-Committee is the working group of the Homelessness Ministerial Advisory Council (HMAC). The committee is tasked with identifying and progressing best-practice, sustainable, and scalable solutions to deliver and expand supportive housing across Queensland for adults, families and young people.
Pam’s appointment reflects her decades of leadership in addressing child and youth homelessness, providing trauma-informed services, and advocating for systemic change. Her role on the Supportive Housing Sub-Committee positions Brisbane Youth Service to help shape Queensland housing policy and drive meaningful reform.
“Supportive housing is a proven approach that combines affordable housing with tailored intensive support services to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness achieve stability and improve their overall wellbeing. There is an opportunity to design and develop what supportive housing looks like for young people focusing on a Housing First approach that provides safety and stability.” Pam said.
“At Brisbane Youth Service, we walk alongside young people and young families as they heal from trauma and build the skills, confidence, and relationships that shape their futures. Supportive housing gives them the foundation to do that – a safe, stable home where recovery and growth can begin.”
Pam emphasised the urgency of coordinated action in the face of a housing crisis and the constant demand on specialist homelessness services.
“Every young person, no matter their circumstances, should be able to live securely in a suitable home. With rising numbers of young Queenslanders facing homelessness, there’s never been a more critical time to take coordinated, long-term action. I’m honoured to co-chair the Sub-Committee to help drive outcomes that ensure every young Queenslander has the stability and support they need to thrive.”
Pam’s appointment underscores Brisbane Youth Service’s leadership in delivering youth-centred, evidence-based housing services and early intervention programs. She looks forward to working through the HMAC structure to coordinate action, secure investment, and ensure housing policy delivers real impact for young people and young families across Queensland.