LNP leaves door open to selling public housing

Media Release.

 

Shadow Housing Minister, Jo-Ann Miller, says despite its denials the LNP government has left the door open to selling off all public housing in Queensland.

 

“The Housing Minister Tim Mander may be denying a wholesale sell-off but the government’s response to Peter Costello’s report says otherwise,” Mrs Miller said.

 

She said the Newman Government’s response to the Costello recommendation number 115 to sell off all public housing merely “noted” the suggestion and did not reject it.

 

“The government’s response to the Costello Audit report is riddled with loopholes and escape clauses,” Mrs Miller said.

 

“By merely noting the recommendation in its official response the LNP is leaving the door open to disposing of all public housing across the state."

 

“The Premier, the Treasurer and now the Minister have all sold out thousands of low-income Queenslanders by leaving the door open to a wholesale disposal of Queensland’s public housing stock."

 

“After selling off caravan parks and cutting a swathe through public housing, now the LNP wants to put up ‘for sale’ signs at public housing facilities across the state."

 

“This would devastate the thousands of Queensland families that rely on public housing."

 

“Nothing is more important to a family than the roof over their head, especially for the vulnerable in our community."

 

“Is nothing sacred when the Premier and his Treasurer are willing to flog off our entire public housing stock?”

 

Mrs Miller said the government’s response was another broken promise from the Premier.

 

“You simply cannot trust Campbell Newman to look after those who need a helping hand,” she said.

 

“He told 14,000 government workers they were safe before sacking them.

 

“He said he wouldn’t sell any assets without a mandate, but he’s already sold off $3.3 billion worth with plenty more to come."

 

“I urge the Premier to show some compassion and immediately rule out this cruel decision to sell people’s homes out from under them,” Mrs Miller said.