Brisbane teenager Brendan, who is 17 years old, has faced significant challenges at home due to his autism and Prader-Willi syndrome, a genetic condition that influences muscle growth, appetite, and development. For almost three years, Brendan has been unable to use the shower in his family’s cramped housing commission unit because he feels “very crushed” in the confined space. This uncomfortable situation has forced his mother, Sally, to pay over $400 a year for a gym membership, providing Brendan with safe access to showers—a solution she finds degrading but necessary.
The family’s unit, located on Brisbane’s north side, is already tight, and the bathroom situation adds to the stress. Since applying for modifications in 2018, Sally reports that while the Department of Housing removed the bathtub, they did not enhance the shower’s size, leaving Brendan’s needs unaddressed. Despite numerous appeals to various government officials, including emails to both the current and former premiers, Sally claims her requests have gone unanswered.
Although the Department has now approved a transfer to a more suitable home, three years have passed since the initial application, and the family is still waiting for appropriate housing to become available. A department spokesperson acknowledged the difficulties faced by families like Brendan’s, stating that they strive to improve housing conditions but cannot control the timing of available properties. The spokesperson emphasised the high demand for social housing, with over 50,000 individuals on the waiting list in Queensland.
Sally remains hopeful but is frustrated with the lack of progress. She insists on the importance of Brendan’s safety and well-being, expressing a fundamental need for him to access basic facilities comfortably. Despite the department’s assurances about ongoing efforts to meet tenant needs through accessibility upgrades, Brendan’s situation illustrates the pressing challenges some families face within the social housing system.