Tenant News - March 2007
Minister’s message
I was very pleased to be appointed Minister for Housing for another term following the State election in September last year. The Department of Housing is in a strong position to continue implementing the Government’s strategic direction for housing in Queensland over the next three years.
It is my responsibility to ensure that the limited supply of properties managed by the department can be accessed by those with a genuine need for assistance. It is for this reason that the Ongoing Eligibility policy has been developed and is now being introduced.
This policy means that if a tenant and their spouse have a combined income of over $80,000 per year, they will be required to move into private accommodation, unless there are extenuating circumstances. The department will provide these households with a six-month transition period to enter the private rental market or home ownership. If a household has a particular reason to stay in public housing, they can contact their nearest Department of Housing office to discuss their case.
Public housing provides many people with a chance to increase their security and stability. The lives and incomes of some people living in the department’s properties have substantially improved. These households are the real success stories of public housing. They can now give others this opportunity, to stabilise and improve their lives.
Robert Schwarten
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
Last updated 05 March 2007
Other languages