Jailbird public housing tenant to be evicted in crackdown

A Queensland criminal who has lived in the state’s public housing for almost 30 years, will be forcibly evicted next month, days after the government announced a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

Robert Stewart Kidd is facing eviction after he threatened his neighbour . (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

A Queensland criminal who has lived in the state’s public housing for almost 30 years, will be forcibly evicted next month, days after the government announced a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

Robert Stewart Kidd is facing eviction after he threatened his neighbour who owns his own home, with Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal judicial member Peta Stilgoe ordering that a warrant of possession will be issued on July 11 to run until July 25.

The warrant was issued after Mr Kidd failed to overturn a May 6 tribunal decision terminating his public housing tenancy after he was jailed for going armed so as to cause fear, dangerous conduct with a weapon, possessing dangerous drugs, and lacking the authority required to possess explosives.

“The department’s decision to terminate the lease was correct,” Ms Stilgoe stated in her June 11 decision.

“The offence related to a dispute with Mr Kidd’s neighbour. The neighbour is the freehold owner of his home and, therefore, is unlikely to move.

“Despite Mr Kidd’s protestations that he is not engaging with the neighbour and he will not cause problems in the future, the risk remains, and the department is entitled to ensure that all residents of the facility experience quiet enjoyment.

“There is no doubt that Mr Kidd will have difficulty in finding alternative accommodation. In the circumstances, although a warrant of possession should be issued, it should not take effect until 11 July 2025 and remain in effect to expire on 25 July 2025.

“The warrant is to be executed as soon as reasonably practical after taking effect. Entry under the warrant shall only be between the hours of 8am and 6pm.”

The department served Mr Kidd with the notice to leave while he was in prison.

Mr Kidd told the tribunal he has a brain injury and argued there was no evidence he had misbehaved before the “victim” of the serious offence moved in next door.

He also argued he did not have enough time to leave his home after he got out of prison.

On June 13 Housing Minister Sam O’Connor announced a zero-tolerance blitz on public housing tenants targeting illegal activities including assault, drug manufacturing and dangerous conduct, with offenders facing immediate eviction and a two-year ban.

The blitz will also test tenants’ incomes to ensure they are entitled to social housing.