Critics have condemned Queensland's tougher social housing policies, warning they will increase homelessness rather than reduce it. Under the Liberal National government's new 'enhanced behaviour framework', introduced on 1 July, tenants can be evicted and banned for two years after three infringements. In July alone, the housing department issued 545 antisocial behaviour notices and seven final notices to leave.
The crackdown has also affected the state's Immediate Housing Response (IHR) program, which places homeless people in motels. Nearly 100 people have been evicted from the program since March, when stricter criteria were introduced. Recipients must now be eligible for social housing and provide identification; damaging property results in a ban.
One evictee, Ben Caines, was told to leave his Caloundra motel room after failing to apply for enough homes. He had found a job and a rental but now fears ending up in a tent. 'I am constantly under pressure,' he said. 'I never feel secure.'
The case of Paris Cumming's cat, Smokey, highlights the human cost. Smokey was left behind when a Morningside social housing unit was locked and boarded up on 7 July. The cat survived 21 days without food before being discovered by a cleaning crew. Paris's father said authorities showed no interest in the animal's welfare.
Queensland Housing Minister Sam O'Connor defended the changes, saying they ensure support goes to those in 'genuine need'. But Karyn Walsh of Micah Projects called the three-strikes policy 'harsher' than previous measures, adding: 'It won't reduce homelessness, it will increase it.'
At last count, 52,031 Queenslanders were on the social housing waiting list, with most waiting about two and a half years. Smokey has yet to be reunited with her owners.
