THE Queensland Government is taking action to remove high-income earners from social housing as the state’s waitlist grows to over 52,000 applicants.
Housing Minister Sam O’Connor revealed this week that some tenants were earning well above the income limits, yet still benefit from subsidised rent.
One Brisbane couple reportedly earns more than $200,000 annually while paying under $200 a week in rent. A Townsville household earning $160,000 pays less than $190 per week.
“These homes are for Queenslanders doing it tough,” Mr O’Connor said. “It’s unfair that people with six-figure incomes occupy public housing while thousands wait.”
During the pandemic, income checks for existing tenants were paused, creating a gap that allowed ineligible tenants to stay on. Nearly half of all tenants have not updated their income or eligibility status in years.
Under the new policy, those still eligible but underpaying rent will see increases capped at $15 per week. Tenants earning beyond the eligibility threshold will face eviction, with a transition period of about four months.
To ease the housing shortage, the Government will also introduce incentives for tenants to downsize from larger homes they no longer need. These include rent-free periods and paid moving costs. More than 8000 households are estimated to be living in homes with spare bedrooms.
Despite growing calls for change, the Government has ruled out updating income caps, which have not changed since 2006. Queensland’s limits – $609 a week for singles and $999 for a couple with two children – remain among the lowest in the country.
Critics, including QCOSS CEO Aimee McVeigh, warn that applying outdated criteria too strictly will leave some low-income earners without options.
“There’s a huge lack of affordable housing,” she said. “Many who no longer qualify for public housing also can’t afford the private market.”
The reforms are based on a 2022 Queensland Audit Office report that flagged poor management in the system and rising demand.
“This is about restoring fairness,” Mr O’Connor said.
“We need to ensure our housing stock is going to the people who need it most.”
Some local real estate professionals locally have expressed concerns and say they will continue to monitor developments closely.
