Public housing evictions in Queensland tripled in the first year of a new government behavior policy, with 122 households forced out between July 1, 2025, and June 30 this year. The policy mandates eviction for tenants who receive three warnings for serious behaviour, including aggressive language, harassment and deliberate damage, in a year or immediate removal for severe or illegal activities such as assault or drug manufacturing. According to Housing Minister Sam O’Connor, the approach is intended to hold a “small minority” accountable while protecting neighbors from disruptive conduct.
Data Trends in Queensland Public Housing Evictions
The implementation of the current behavior policy marks a significant shift in enforcement compared to the previous year. Official data shows 122 households were evicted during the period, compared to 39 in the prior year under the fair expectations and antisocial behaviour policy introduced by Labor. Of the 122 households evicted this year, 56 were removed specifically for dangerous or severe behaviour, and 84 people were issued bans from social housing for up to two years.
Beyond formal evictions, the Department of Housing and Public Works reports that another 91 households vacated their properties after receiving an eviction notice but before their cases reached the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). During the same period, housing officers issued 1,016 breach notices across 911 tenancies related to disruptive behavior.
Did you know?
The LNP’s policy has been compared to the three-strikes policy for pubic housing introduced by Campbell Newman’s government in 2013 and reversed by Labor.
The Impact on Tenants and Advocacy Concerns
Tenants Queensland, an advocacy group, has raised concerns regarding the long-term consequences of these evictions. Chief executive Penny Carr stated that while the rise in numbers was “not surprising,” it creates a precarious future for those removed from the system. According to Ms. Carr, some tenants are probably being evicted for behaviours that led to their need for social housing in the first place.
Advocates argue that eviction often leads to a decline in health and a reduced capacity for tenants to maintain employment or education. Ms. Carr emphasized that there is “so little opportunity” for those excluded from the social housing sector, suggesting that early intervention and increased housing options are necessary to address the root causes of antisocial behavior before it escalates to eviction.
Government Policy Objectives and Discretion
Housing Minister Sam O’Connor maintains that the policy is working as intended by empowering housing staff to take action. “Our message is simple: if you respect your neighbours and meet your responsibilities as a tenant, we’ll go above and beyond to help you sustain your tenancy,” Mr. O’Connor said. He noted that the “overwhelming majority” of tenants comply with expectations, but the policy provides a mechanism to address those who “make life a nightmare for their neighbours.”
To mitigate potential harm, the government has stated that housing officers could apply discretion to tenants with complex needs. This includes accounting for factors such as mental illness, disability, and those experiencing domestic violence when assessing breaches of conduct.
Tenants facing breach notices are encouraged to seek advice early from advocacy services like Tenants Queensland to understand their rights and the process for defending allegations before matters escalate to the tribunal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What constitutes a “three-strikes” offense in Queensland public housing?
Tenants receive a warning for serious behaviour, including harassment, aggressive language, or deliberate damage. Receiving three such warnings in a year leads to eviction.
Can a tenant be evicted immediately?
Yes. Immediate eviction and a ban from social housing for two years apply to severe or illegal activities, such as assault, drug manufacturing, or dangerous behaviour.
Are there protections for vulnerable tenants?
According to Housing Minister Sam O’Connor, housing officers could apply discretion for tenants with complex needs, including those experiencing domestic violence, mental illness, or disability.
What happens if a tenant disputes a breach notice?
Tenants have the opportunity to contest allegations of antisocial behavior. Advocacy services like Tenants Queensland report that they have successfully helped tenants in defending these claims.
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