This study was commissioned in 2022 by QCOSS to develop policy options for tackling Queensland’s identified housing policy challenges. The main focus of the study is the provision of adequate and affordable housing for low-income households. Specifically, the research was charged with:

•  Investigating the scope for enhancing housing policymaking and housing policy governance in Queensland
• Analysing the need for social housing over the decade running up to the 2032 Olympics, together with recommendations on possible funding mechanisms for meeting such need
• Outlining policy options for enhancing affordability and security for low-income tenants in the private rental market
• Identifying existing housing policy settings negatively impacting on broader housing affordability, encompassing levers held at both state and Commonwealth levels.

The study involves stakeholder interviews, secondary data and policy document analysis. In particular, it draws on unpublished rental bond data kindly provided by the Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority that informs an original analysis of rental affordability for low income earners at both state and local levels.

While it is Queensland Government housing policy that forms the main area of investigation, the recommendations also encompass proposed reforms involving policy levers held by the Commonwealth.