Fairer approach to housing putting people first

The Palaszczuk Government has announced a new approach to providing a fairer social housing service to the state’s most vulnerable tenants.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said changes introduced by the former LNP Government were unfair and preyed on some of the state’s hardest hit families.

“Queenslanders went to the polls in January 2015 and rejected the former government’s callous policies that put many families on the street,” Mr de Brenni said.

“The new policies will provide support and respect vulnerable Queenslanders, rather than only taking measures that could lead to eviction.

“Under the new Fair Expectations of Behaviour Policy, we will intervene early to investigate a complaint, counsel tenants and refer them to support services.

“We will continue to take immediate steps to evict anyone found to be undertaking criminal activities, or who consistently fail to meet behaviour standards.

“The vast majority of public housing tenants are decent, law-abiding people, and the department will continue to closely monitor the remaining individuals who require ongoing management.”

Minister de Brenni said tenants could now go away for up to eight weeks a year without having to offer a reason under changes to the new Fair Absence from Your Home Policy.

“The previous policy required tenants to explain why they were leaving their homes, and absences were capped at no more than four weeks a year.” he said.

“This policy recognises that people may need to leave their homes for unexpected reasons. The change is respectful of people’s needs and allows government resources to be used more efficiently.”

Minister de Brenni said a number of other policies were being revised including those which covered rent and eligibility, and the process for listing for social housing.

“Early next year, we will be seeking public feedback on a discussion paper the department is developing, a new 10-year Housing Strategy for Queensland,” he said.

To find out more visit www.qld.gov.au/housing/public-community-housing/.

ENDS

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