July 23, 2012
Minister for Housing and Public Works Bruce Flegg said yesterday forced eviction of Queensland public housing tenants is not – and never was – being considered by the State Government.
Dr Flegg said recent newspaper stories referring to “forced evictions” of public housing tenants were inaccurate and were causing unnecessary alarm to public housing tenants.
“The decision to print these inaccuracies is very regrettable,” he said.
Dr Flegg said under-occupancy of public housing was an issue that was being addressed, but at no time since the announcement of the reforms had forced evictions been on the agenda.
“It is estimated there are more than 8700 public housing properties that have two or more additional bedrooms than needed by the occupants,” he said.
Dr Flegg said the government had “engaged with tenants” to inform them of this under-occupancy problem and to seek their input into the proposed solutions.
“It is important for tenants to understand that they aren’t going to be left without a home as a result of this reform process.” Dr Flegg said.
“I understand these are sensitive issues and the government is committed to working with tenants to have a discussion about options for moving to newer, smaller premises as appropriate to their situation.”
