Newman’s Grinch government axes Christmas holidays for public housing tenants

Media Release

THURSDAY, 17 JULY, 2014

Public housing tenants looking to visit family at Christmas risk losing their tenancy under a new policy introduced by the Newman Government.

Shadow Housing Minister Jo-Ann Miller said the new rule limiting absences from social housing to a cumulative four-weeks each year was a mean-hearted policy that left little room for common sense and attacked families.

Mrs Miller said Housing Minister Tim Mander should immediately reverse the policy to allow for people to visit family in times of need or family celebration rather than allow the Government to be the Grinch that ruins Christmas.

“Landlords in the private rental market can’t kick a tenant out if they help a child with a new baby for a few weeks or visit family at Easter or Christmas or need to spend time away caring for a sick relative,” Mrs Miller said.

“Previously, the Department of Housing was required to act just like any other landlord, but the Newman Government used its massive majority to change the law so it could be a mean and vindictive landlord."

“And how will they know if people are away for more than the allotted time?"

“If a person qualifies for social housing, is paying their rent and maintaining the property, they should be able to take some time with loved-ones to help them and spend time with them."

“No wonder Queenslanders are losing trust in this Government when they implement mean policies like this with no warning.”

Mrs Miller said her office had been contacted by several people who had received advice from the Department of Housing that their tenancy would be at risk if they cared for loved ones or took short breaks.

“This is a mean policy from a mean Government,” she said.