In Queensland, public housing tenants will soon be subjected to a stringent “three strikes and you’re out” policy regarding misconduct, with new provisions set to enforce bans for serious infractions. Originally implemented by the previous Newman government, the updated regulations aim to be even more rigorous, mandating that all residents within a household face consequences for violations.
Commencing on 1 July, tenants who disrupt the peace through general nuisances—like loud parties or disorderly behaviour involving alcohol—will receive two warnings before facing eviction on the third infraction. More serious behaviours, such as using aggressive or obscene language, intimidating others, vandalising property, or reckless driving, will lead to a total of three warnings, after which tenants may be banned from public housing for a year.
In the case of the gravest offences—such as criminal acts, major property damage, or threats against housing department personnel—evictions will be executed immediately, accompanied by a two-year ban from public housing.
The policy underscores the importance of community responsibility, as all tenants at a property will be held accountable for breaches, fostering an environment where issues can be discussed and resolved within the household. Housing Minister Sam O’Connor emphasised the need for existing tenants to respect their properties and highlighted that the department will consider exceptions during instances of domestic violence.