Editorial: Labor leaves big earners sitting in state-subsidised accommodation

Oversights such as that with Queensland’s social housing system seem to be a theme with the previous government, writes the editor.

Social housing must go to those who need it most. (File picture)

Having a place to stay, a roof over your head, is a basic human right.

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which is signed and ratified by Australia, states that everyone has the right to an adequate standard of living, including food, clothing and housing.

Obviously, people are expected to work for these rights, but sometimes they can find themselves in the situation where they can no longer afford to pay the rent, or they cannot find a place that they can afford.

This is where social housing comes in, offering accommodation at a heavily subsidised rent.

For some, a social housing arrangement may last decades.

For others, it lasts long enough for them to get back on their feet financially, at which time they can enter the private rental market, or even look to buy.

At least, that’s how it is supposed to work. As we report today, the previous Labor state government dropped the ball on eligibility reviews for social housing tenants, with half not having had a review in five years. The reviews were stopped during Covid-19, but in many cases they have never returned.

It seems to be a theme with the previous government, whose decline began post-pandemic.

But what it has meant is some households who have had a change of fortune are paying peppercorn rent at the taxpayer’s expense when they could easily afford to rent or buy privately – like the rest of us.

Housing Minister Sam O’Connor gives the example of a Brisbane couple with a combined income of more than $200,000, who are paying less than $200 a week in social housing.

Similar properties in their area rent for $675 a week – they must not be able to believe their luck.

On top of that, department records show 8000 tenants are currently under-occupying properties, leaving bedrooms empty.

While the previous government made a song and dance whenever they brought new social housing properties online, they were unable to keep up with runaway demand in the midst of a housing crisis.

Perhaps if they administered the social housing program properly, they could have found efficiencies that were right under their noses.

HONOURS WELL DESERVED

The King’s Birthday honours list, and the Australia Day honours, are often criticised as being all about celebrity.

With prominent actors, politicians and sportspeople often getting the bulk of media attention, it’s tempting to see the gongs as elitist and out of touch.

Some would even suggest that filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and former prime minister Scott Morrison are lucky enough to work in industries where awards and plaudits come thick and fast.

They might have a point, but that does not mean that their contribution to Australian society should not be recognised by our head of state, King Charles.

However, for those who say that the awards overlook ordinary Australians, take a few minutes to go through the list of Queensland recipients in page 12 of The Courier-Mail today.

And note the diverse fields in which Queenslanders have been recognised.

There is Dr Geoffrey Monteith, who received a posthumous AO for his study of insects in the tropics.

There is Tia-Clair Toomey, awarded an AM for her services to the sports of crossfit and weightlifting.

There is Mohamed Farouk Adam, whose OAM is for services to the state’s Muslim community, in part as president of the Muslim Business Council.

There is Harold Matthew, honoured with an OAM for services to the Thursday Island Community.

There is Peter Delibaltas, awarded a Public Service Medal for helping to deliver legal services to disadvantaged Queenslanders.

It is well worth taking the time to read through all the names and their brief biographies.

It is humbling and affirming at the same time.

It makes you feel proud that there are Queenslanders out there who do great things away from the limelight, and all of them, in their way, make our state a better place.

Many of them might feel a little uncomfortable with the attention that comes their way today, because they have always worked for higher ideals than the pursuit of awards.

But their family and friends will be chuffed, knowing that the rest of Australia now knows of their selfless acts carried out for the good of the community.

So to all the Queenslanders recognised by the King today, we say congratulations. Be proud. And thank you for making our great state just a little greater.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Chris Jones, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details here

Originally published as Editorial: Labor leaves big earners sitting in state-subsidised accommodation