One social housing system - a more efficient system connecting people with housing assistance
In 2006, the Queensland Government, through the Department of Housing, introduced a set of reforms to improve connections between housing providers within Queensland’s social housing system to ensure it operates as one system. The aim is to create a more efficient and responsive social housing system and support the integrated provision of a broad range of housing assistance for low income Queenslanders.
The 'one social housing system' includes all products, services and programs provided, funded or subsidised by the Department of Housing ranging from high subsidy assistance such as rental housing to other products such as bond loans to rent a home in the private market.
Public rental housing, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rental housing and community housing are now all provided through the one social housing system.
Having one social housing system in Queensland provides people in need with a better and fairer way to access a range of housing assistance options. One way this has been achieved is through the development of a consistent application and assessment process and a singular housing register for department, community and local government-managed social housing.
Eligible applicants are offered assistance that best responds to their particular need – for the duration of that need. If their needs change over time, so may the forms of housing assistance offered.
As part of one social housing system, pathways are also provided through and from social housing into the private rental and home ownership markets.
The key features of one social housing system are:
- Simple entry points for clients to access a range of housing assistance. Eligible clients can apply for all forms of social housing through one point of entry.
- One housing register replacing multiple waiting lists operated by community and local government housing providers.
- Standard processes to assess clients’ eligibility for a range of services, and to allocate clients to housing.
- Social housing is provided to people with the highest need, but only for as long as they need it.
- Connecting clients to support services as needed.
- Assisting clients to leave social housing and enter the private housing sector.
The Department of Housing is working with community and local government-managed housing providers to implement important changes to the way social housing is provided in Queensland.
Last updated 23 March 2009
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