For too long, Queensland’s social housing system has failed to deliver for those who need it most. Under the former Labor Government, nearly half of all social housing tenants—45 per cent—had not had their rent or eligibility reviewed in more than five years. The result? A broken system where high-income earners occupied taxpayer-funded homes while vulnerable Queenslanders languished on the waitlist.
The Crisafulli Government is taking decisive action to reset Queensland’s social housing framework and restore fairness. These long-overdue reforms will ensure social housing supports those it was designed for: individuals and families genuinely in need.
New data from March 2025 shows the social housing waitlist has surged to 52,031 people—a 4.1 per cent increase in just one year. In addition to this, new March 2025 reveals there has been an 81% increase to the social housing waitlist over the last 10 years. In Cairns, the social housing wait list sits at 4,512.
Meanwhile, glaring examples of mismanagement under Labor have come to light:
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In Brisbane, a couple earning over $200,000 annually pays less than $200 a week in rent—far below the $675 median rent for their property.
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In Townsville, a family earning more than $160,000 pays just $190 per week for housing valued at $500 in the private market.
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In Moreton Bay, a household earning nearly $3,500 a week pays just $270 for a large home with a market rent of $650.
These are not isolated incidents—they reflect a system that had lost its way.
Starting 1 July 2025, the Crisafulli Government will implement a range of reforms to restore accountability and ensure housing support is better targeted:
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Annual Rent and Eligibility Reviews: All social housing tenants will undergo yearly checks to ensure they still qualify and are paying the correct rent.
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Ineligible Tenants to Pay Market Rent: Those who don’t cooperate or exceed income limits will be charged market rent as they transition to other housing options.
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Protecting Eligible Tenants: Rent will remain at 25% of a household’s assessable income. If underpaying is identified, increases will be capped at $15 per week.
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Incentivised Downsizing: Tenants in homes larger than needed will be encouraged—not forced—to relocate, with support like free removalist services and rent-free periods.
With more than 8,000 households under-occupying homes by two or more bedrooms, these changes aim to better match available housing stock with the needs of families waiting for a home.
Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O’Connor said Labor’s failure to maintain oversight allowed widespread misuse of public housing.
“Labor turned a blind eye for years,” Mr O’Connor said. “They let six-figure earners stay in public homes while vulnerable people remained on waitlists. They failed to check eligibility and didn’t invest in building new homes—averaging just 509 per year over a decade.”
“These reforms aren’t just about restoring accountability—they’re about compassion. We’re ensuring social housing supports those who genuinely need it and empowering our housing officers to deliver real outcomes.”
At the core of this reset is a commitment to fairness. Social housing must remain a safety net—not a subsidy for those who can afford private market rents. The Crisafulli Government is acting to ensure the system serves the people it was built to protect.
Queenslanders deserve a housing system that works—not one that leaves vulnerable families behind. These reforms are a critical step toward a more just and functional future.
