The Newman Government’s “three strikes and you’re out” policy for problem public housing tenants becomes effective from the 1 July, 2013.
The Minister for Housing and Public Works, Tim Mander MP, launched the new strategy in April and said rogue tenants were now on notice.
“The days of endless second-chances are over. People need to realise that public housing is a privilege that comes with certain responsibilities.”
Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett has backed the new policy and says the community will benefit from the changes.
“If you disrespect the property, if you disrespect your neighbours, you will face eviction,” said Mr Bennett.
“The slap on the wrist approach is a thing of the past. If a tenant does receive three strikes and is evicted, there will be a three month period in which they will be unable to reapply for public housing.
“It is deeply disappointing when I see and hear of the damage caused to public housing properties in our community, houses which could have been used for our most desperate and needy.
“Last year unruly tenants caused roughly $5 million worth of damage to public housing properties. Obviously that’s completely unacceptable.”
Mr Bennett was quick to stress that the aim of the policy was not to evict people, but to help them modify their behaviour.
“This policy is about encouraging people to remedy their behaviour. People will be given plenty of opportunity to mend their ways before facing eviction”.
Between 2008 and 2011, the Department for Housing and Public Works issued over 103,000 breach notices for infringements including failure to pay rent, property damage and disruptive behaviour to neighbours.