Hundreds of Queensland social housing tenants evicted after review

Queensland authorities have removed 359 households from social housing following a review that identified property ownership or incomes exceeding $80,000 per year. This action is part of a broader state government initiative to reassess eligibility for public housing.

The review, which examined 46,210 households over the last financial year, found that 76 households were ineligible due to owning property or having high incomes, representing less than one percent of those reviewed. An additional 143 households are under further scrutiny for potential property ownership. The government is reinforcing its policy that public housing tenants cannot own property in Australia or overseas, including vacant land, and must adhere to income limits.

Housing Minister Sam O'Connor stated that the reviews are crucial for restoring fairness and ensuring that taxpayer-funded homes serve Queenslanders most in need. He emphasized that the process helps make sure as many homes as possible are allocated appropriately. The review also revealed that 3,709 households had their rent reduced because they were found to be paying more than the required quarter of their income.

Meanwhile, the average wait time for social housing in Queensland has increased significantly, rising by 10 months in a year to 31.7 months as of June. Despite the evictions and ongoing demand, the Department of Housing and Public Works Director-General Mark Cridland indicated that income limits for eligibility will not change, citing the substantial number of approved households already on the waiting list.

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We're restoring fairness and making sure as many taxpayer-funded homes as possible are for the Queenslanders who most need a place to call home.