Submission regarding the proposed Housing Assistance in Queensland Reforms 2012

This document is a submission made in 2012 by the APS to the Housing Assistance in Queensland Reforms developed to address the social housing crisis in Queensland.

From a psychological perspective, adequate safe and secure housing (tenure) provides a foundation for individuals and families to develop a sense of identity and belonging. It is essential to individual and community wellbeing.

The APS raised concerns that the range of proposed options (such as introducing fixed-term tenancies, getting tougher on those who ‘abuse it’ (social housing), addressing under-occupancy and identifying undeclared household members) would unfairly target an already disadvantaged and vulnerable group (public housing tenants).

The APS argued that the proposed reforms could exacerbate existing mental health issues, and failed to recognise the important role of housing for individual health and wellbeing. The APS encouraged the Queensland Government to explore innovative models that would improve the supply of quality public housing, as key to housing reforms.

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