Federal migration lift will add to housing ‘pressure cooker’: Palaszczuk

The Queensland opposition has warned against a new housing summit becoming a “talk fest”, as Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk suggested a federal government decision to lift annual migration intakes would strain the sector further.

Palaszczuk on Tuesday announced a roundtable – with stakeholders including councils and social service groups – to be held on Friday, before an October state-based summit to canvass the issues facing people trying to get, or keep, a roof over their heads.

Palaszczuk said she would like to see a representative from the federal government at the state’s newly announced housing summit.Credit: Matt Dennien

While welcomed by groups including the Property Council of Australia and housing and homelessness peak body Q Shelter, the state opposition warned against the summit becoming a “talk fest”.

“There needs to be targets, there needs to be action, and it needs to happen ASAP,” LNP leader David Crisafulli said.

Soaring property prices and rents, along with shrinking rental availability and a dearth of new social housing builds, have driven calls for governments to consider fresh approaches.

In Queensland and Brisbane, these problems will be exacerbated by the looming 2032 Olympics.

“It’s a national issue as well,” Palaszczuk told reporters.

“Our success in dealing with COVID so well as a state ... has led to a very strong economic recovery and, with that, we have seen mass interstate migration as well. Just this year alone, 50,000 people have moved to Queensland.

“And I know that because the federal government has increased the migration intake … this is also going to be an issue that will be raised at national cabinet. It is going to put added pressure on what already is a pressure cooker.”

Palaszczuk said councils unlocking more land, short-stay accommodation, and homes being left vacant would be among the topics up for discussion at the summit, with nothing off the table.

“This is about working together,” she said. “I would like to see a representative from the federal government there as well.”

Asked what outcomes she hoped to flow from the summit, Palaszczuk said only there would “definitely be actions we undertake”.

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