Queensland social housing waitlist drops to 44,000 with 'work to do'

Queensland's social housing waitlist has seen a significant reduction, now standing at 44,294 people, down from a peak of over 59,000 in November 2025. Housing Minister Sam O'Connor stated the state government has actively managed the list and increased housing delivery, arresting the previous rise.

"It is over 20 per cent down on that peak. So, we have been playing catch up because there hadn't been enough homes delivered," O'Connor said. "We are going in the right direction and we're not there yet, but we are pleased with the progress that has been made." He attributed the decrease to both a more actively managed list and more homes becoming available.

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It is over 20 per cent down on that peak. So, we have been playing catch up because there hadn't been enough homes delivered. We are going in the right direction and we're not there yet, but we are pleased with the progress that has been made.

However, Fiona Caniglia, chief executive of peak housing and homelessness service QShelter, pointed out that the waitlist is not the sole indicator of need. She noted a substantial number of individuals are ineligible for social housing due to income caps, referring to them as the "missing middle." The income cap for an existing household is $80,000, with new applicants facing limits of $609 weekly for a single person and $755 for a couple.

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There are a lot of people who are struggling to either sustain a tenancy they've got, from an affordability point of view, or break into the private rental market. It's what we call the missing middle. There isn't a lot between social housing and the open private rental market for people who are relying upon renting.

"There are a lot of people who are struggling to either sustain a tenancy they've got, from an affordability point of view, or break into the private rental market," Ms. Caniglia said. "It's what we call the missing middle. There isn't a lot between social housing and the open private rental market for people who are relying upon renting." She emphasized the need for not only social homes but also affordable housing options with discounted market rents, well-located to essential infrastructure and jobs.

While the government has a target of delivering 53,500 social and community homes by 2044, a figure modeled to meet current and future demand, Mr. O'Connor would not commit to a specific number for reducing the waitlist. Ms. Caniglia urged for more specific targets for supportive housing for vulnerable individuals and for affordable housing initiatives.

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The target given to me by the premier was 53,500 social and community homes to be delivered by 2044. That is the only thing that will see the register continue to reduce. That target was modelled to meet our current and future demand.