AAP PUBLIC HOUSING VACANT FOR A YEAR: QLD GOVERNMENT

AAP September 15, 2013

Some public housing tenants in Queensland are going on holidays for up to a year when there are 22,000 families on the waiting list, the state government says.
Housing Minister Tim Mander wants public housing rules changed after revealing that 285 tenants were away from their homes between three and 12 months over the last financial year.
Mr Mander says tenants can have their rent reduced to $10.95 per week while they are away and even let friends stay in their homes, rent free.
"The current situation doesn't even go close to passing the common sense test," he said in a statement.
"When there are still almost 22,000 households on the public housing waiting list, it is ridiculous to allow people to disappear for a whole year."
Mr Mander said the rules also allowed people jailed for a criminal offence to keep their homes.
"These properties are designed to be used, not left sitting vacant while people are away on holidays or in prison," he said.
"Public housing is a scarce resource and we need to make sure it is going to those who need it most."

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