Social housing register data management, reporting improvements introduced in response to QAO report

• Improvements will be made to the data management and reporting of the social housing register
• Reporting on the status of register applications will also be made more frequent
• Consistent with other states, reforms will also limit the number social housing offers an applicant can refuse while remaining on the register
• The improvements are being made as Queensland rolls out a record $5 billion for social and affordable housing – the largest in the state’s history – to help deliver 13,500 homes

The Palaszczuk Government will respond to recommendations from the Queensland Audit Office (QAO) to improve data management and reporting of the social housing register.

These improvements will be implemented to ensure the register is fit-for-purpose and to provide the department and community housing providers (CHPs) with fulsome, accurate information to inform social housing offers for Queenslanders.

That includes establishing an active and inactive application status, both of which are defined as still being on the register and will still be reported. No changes have been made to eligibility.

Already, as part of the recommendations, the department has contacted all households on the register to ensure their information remains up-to-date and their applications were still required.

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon has also committed to more frequent reporting – every quarter – of active and inactive social housing applications, to better reflect demand and any emerging trends or patterns.

An inactive application is self-nominated and are those people who are not yet ready to accept a social home due to their personal circumstances.From September 4, Queensland applicants will also have the right to decline up to two reasonable and appropriate property offers.
 
If the applicant refuses more than two reasonable and appropriate property offers, their social housing application may be removed for a 12-month period.

Currently, Queensland is the only jurisdiction where there is no limit to the number of times an applicant can refuse an offer while remaining on the housing register.

In 2021-22, the Palaszczuk Government provided more than 200,000 forms of housing assistance to Queensland households, including emergency housing, social housing, and private market assistance and homelessness services in addition to rolling out a record $5 billion for social and affordable housing – the largest in the state’s history – after adding another $1.1 billion in this year’s Budget.

The Minister will convene a meeting with service providers and stakeholders next week to work through implementation.
 
Quotes attributable to Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon:
 
“Across the country, national pressures are having an impact – and Queensland has not been immune.
 
“As we rollout a record investment in social and affordable homes, it’s critical that our systems and the register is fit-for-purpose and that Queenslanders who are homeless or in housing stress are receiving the right support at the right time to meet their needs.
 
“The Palaszczuk Government accepted all of the QAO’s recommendations, and we’ve been working hard to respond to those recommendations and improve housing support.

“This includes implementing improvements to the data management and reporting of the social housing register.
 
“I’ve also committed to more frequent reporting on the active and inactive housing register applications as we deliver our record social housing build.”
 
Further information:
 
Anyone who needs housing assistance can contact their Housing Service Centre during business hours or the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.
 
For a list of Housing Service Centres, visit  https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/public-community-housing/housing-service-centre
 
ENDS
 
Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz – 0420 592 078