~~~:,~,~:~~:~ Minister for Housing and Public Works

Ref: MIN16/3512

·7 2 DEC 2016

Hon. Peter Wellington MP Speaker of the House Member for Nicklin Parliament House George Street BRISBANE QLD 4000

Dear Mr Speaker

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I write to refer a potential deliberate misleading of the House by the Leader of the Opposition during Question Time on 1 November 2016 through the tabling of document titled "Annastacia Palaszczuk & Labor Progress Report" (tabled document reference number 2222).

In particular, this matter relates to the section of the document relating to my portfolio of Housing and Public Works.

Statement One

Ripped-up the $800 million Logan Housing Renewal Initiative - denying Logan residents 2600 new public housing, affordable homes.

On 17 August, 18 August, 1 September and 14 September, I reported to the House that the Palaszczuk Government will supply new publlc houses and affordable homes in Logan.

On each of these occasions, the Leader of the Opposition was present in the Chamber, and should be aware of these commitments.

Since then, the Palaszczuk Government launched the Better Neighbourhoods Logan revitalisation plan that will see almost $1 billion invested over 20 years, delivering at least 3,000 new homes in Logan.

On this basis Statement One is misleading, and the Leader of the Opposition knew as much and Intended to mislead the House.

Statement Two

In scrapping the Logan Initiative the Minister bowed to union pressure while 1090 people on the housing wait-list in the Logan council area go without - with 620 of these having waited more than one year '

- 2 -

On 14 September 2016, the Member for Kawana asked a Question without Notice in relation to the Logan Renewal Initiative and asked -

"Will the minister confirm that he scrapped the Logan Renewal Initiative on the orders of Alex Scott of Together union ... "

In my answer I responded -

And

"When it comes to who was ordering whom, it was a decision of this government to maintain our responsibility to public housing. That was a cabinet decision made in July. H

"There were no Instructions."

On this occasion, the Leader of the Opposition was present in the Chamber, and should be aware that this decision was one made by Government, and not influenced by third parties. I can confirm that I have not met with Alex Scott or any other union officials in relation to the Logan Renewal Initiative.

My ministerial diary extracts, which are publicly available, also confirm that I have not met with Alex Scott. The Leader of the Opposition has access to my ministerial diary extracts and knows that I have not met with Alex Scott.

On this basis Statement Two is misleading, and the Leader of the Opposition knew as much and intended to mislead the House.

Statement Three

Scrapped the use of Non-Government Organisations and community groups to manage social housing - creating employment uncertainty for those employed in the sector.

There has been no instruction from myself, my office or the Department of Housing and Public Works to scrap the use of Non-Government Organisations and community groups to manage social housing.

The government continues to maintain contractual arrangements with Community Housing Providers. In October 2016, I asked the department to prepare correspondence to community housing provider stakeholders , discussing the Queensland Government's proposed 10 Year Housing Strategy and I wrote:

''The Queensland social and affordable housing sector is built on a strong platform of assets and services that are jointly delivered by government and the community housing sector. The Strategy will support the continuation of these partnerships. I do not propose there will be any forced resumptions of government owned properties that are currently managed by community housing providers.

- 3 -

The increased focus on providing affordable living solutions and enhanced housing support services are key initiatives in the Housing Strategy to bring transformative change for the benefit of all Queens/anders. The Strategy will contribute to the growth of safe, secure and affordable housing. In doing so we plan to work closely with community housing providers to support people across the full housing continuum. I thank you again for your ongoing engagement on this essential piece of worl< and look forward to working with you and your members as we implement a growth agenda"

On this basis Statement Three is misleading, and the Leader of the Opposition knew as much and intended to mislead the House.

Statement Four

Cancelled the LNP's successful "three-strikes" policy to tackle anti-social behaviour and curb illegal activity in = more damage and higher costs"

The Leader of the Opposition states that the LNP's "three-strikes" policy was 'successful'. In a Ministerial Media Statement I made on 11 November 2016, I demonstrated that under the new Fair Expectations of Behaviour Policy, the department had issued more notices to remedy breaches relating to behaviour, more tenancy management plans to address issues of behaviour and support tenants through their tenancy and continued to evict tenants due to serious behavioural issues and illegal activities.

In response to a Question on Notice (1784) from the Member for Gympie, also tabled on 11 November 2016, I demonstrated that while the number of evictions increased between 2012-13 to 2015-16, the cost of repairs to homes caused by vandalism, damage and uncleanliness peaked at $7.7 million under the LNP Government in 2013-14 (from $3.4 million in 2010-11) and has reduced to $6.9 million in 2015-16 under the Palaszczuk Government.

From this information, it is clear that the cancelling of the LNP's "three-strikes" policy has not equated to more damage and higher costs as stated by the Leader of the Opposition. On this basis Statement Four is misleading, and the Leader of the Opposition knew, or ought to have known as much, and therefore intended to mislead the House.

News clipping "De Brenni should step down" Courier Mail 23 Apr 2016

The news clipping "De Brenni should step down" was in relation to the allegations made by the Member for Cairns in a letter to the Speaker. On 17 March 2016, you referred the allegations to the Ethics Committee. Through Report Number 167 of the Ethics Committee tabled on 26 May 2016, the committee found that the allegations against me were not matters that warranted further consideration. Therefore the Leader of the Opposition knew that the news clipping would be misleading.

To use this news clipping and table it in Parliament, the Leader of the Opposition intended to deliberately mlslead the House.

- 4 -

Image of the Member for Springwood

I refer to the broadcast terms and conditions for the broadcast of proceedings of this House that provide-

The material must only be used for the purposes of fair and accurate reports of proceedings and must not in any circumstances be used for; i. political advertising, election campaigning or any adverlising campaign that

would normally require at law a broadcaster to announce who has authorised the material;

ii. satire or ridicule; I note that-

Use of the broadcast material in contravention of a condition Imposed by the Legislative Assembly or its committees will constitute a contempt of Parliament.

The tabled document distributed by the Leader of the Opposition uses images taken from a broadcast of proceedings in breach of the terms and conditions of use.

As demonstrated above, I submit that the Leader of the Opposition has deliberately misled the House, Is in contempt of Parliament through his breach of Standing Order 266 of the Standing Rules and Orders of the Legislative Assembly and has breached the conditions of access to the broadcast of proceedings.

The above submission supports the contention that the Leader of the Opposition deliberately knowingly and intentionally misled the House and I ask you to refer this matter to the Ethics Committee.

Yours sincerely,

Mick de Brenni MP Minister for Housing and Public Works

I 1· I

• De Brenn1 should step )( Rlpped·UP the $BOO million Logan Housing Renewal Initiative • ~enyln~ Logan

residents 2600 new public housing, artorclable homes • r-1e I.NJ '/1 ~ ~ J! Jn scrapping the Logan Initiative the Minister bowed to union pressure while 1090 dOWll ~ U...A l people on the housing wail·llst In the Logan council area go without· with 620 of these t. ~ t:.tr16'J people having already waited more than a year"" ~ 1".I. "" Ji.c ~ "'-.l "' • ~IA./ ~ cliurlcr MnH '23i\\l'

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employed In the sector - nJ, 0: ~ • C ~ --s ~s )( Cancelled the LNP's successful "three-strikes" policy to tackle anti-social behaviour and curb

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1( Still has over 15,000 people on the waiting list for public housing across the State

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Minister accused of gaat-·cull "cover up"

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Tim Nicholls MP Leader of the Opposition Shadow Minister for Arts and Major Events

Your ref: 8.1 .22

30 January 2017

Hon Peter Wellington MP Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Parliament House Alice Street BRISBANE QLD 4000

Dear~er~,

Mineral House 41 George Street Brisbane Qld 4000

PO Box 15057 City East Qld 4002

Telephone 07 3838 6767 Email reception@opposition.qld.gov.au

I refer to your letter dated 13 January 2017 in relation to a complaint by the Hon. Mick de Brenni MP. Thank you for the opportunity to respond to these allegations.

I refute the claim that I have committed a contempt of the House. Pursuant to standing order 269(4) I have provided with this letter submissions in response to the complaint.

. In relation to the matter raised on page 4 of the Minister's correspondence, I have already dealt with this issue and rely on my previous correspondence to you dated 13 January 2017.

I respectfully submit this matter does not warrant the further attention of the House.

If you have any questions about my response I would be pleased to meet with you to discuss the matter further.

Yours sincerely

TIM NICHOLLS MP Leader of the Opposition Shadow Minister for Arts and Major events Member for Clavfield

Enc.

RESPONSE PURSUANT TO SO 269(4) IN RELATION TO ALLEGATIONS MADE BY HON. MICK DE BRENNI MP

BACKGROUND

1. On 1 December 2016, I tabled a document in the House entitled Annastacia Palaszczuk and Labor progress report ("the Documenf'). The Document was also published to the internet via social media and my website of timnicholls .com .au.

2. The Document contained material which evaluated the progress of the Government towards its announced commitments and other activities and provided a report on the year's outcomes.

GENERAL COMMENTS IN RELATION TO THE COMPLAINT

3. There are three matters I submit should be considered when deciding whether to refer the complaint to the Ethics Committee:

3.1. The Document was created in my role of Leader of the Opposition and in performance of my duty pursuant to the principles of the Westminster system to keep the government to account and for no other purpose.

3.2. The Minister has taken this opportunity to debate the matters contained in the Document rather than address the matters relevant to an alleged contempt of the House. Although the Minister has the right to reply to the matters raised in the Document, such reply should be within the processes of the House and not via an allegation of contempt. The Minister should be aware that his allegations are frivolous and a waste of the Speaker's time and resources.

RELEVANT CONSIDERATIONS

4. Section 37 of the Parliament of Queensland Act 2001 defines the meaning of "Contempt" of the Assembly as:

37 Meaning of contempt of the Assembly (1) Contempt of the Assembly means a breach or disobedience of the powers, rights or immunities, or a contempt, of the Assembly or its members or committees.

5. Standing Order 266 provides examples of Contempt to include, inter alia:

(2) deliberately misleading the House or a committee (by way of submission, statement, evidence or petition);

2

6. In order for the allegation of a deliberate misleading of the House to be made out, three elements must be proven:

a. the statement must, in fact, have been misleading; b. it must be established that the member making the statement knew at

the time the statement was made that it was incorrect; and c. in making it, the member must have intended to mislead the House.

7. In determining whether each element is met, the standard of proof to be met is 'on the balance of probabilities.'

APPLICATION

8. The Minister has alleged that four statements in the Document were in breach of standing order 266(2). I will deal with each in tum.

STATEMENT ONE

Ripped-up the $800 million Logan Housing Renewal Initiative - denying Logan residents 2600 new public housing, affordable homes

9. The first statement is not misleading as it contains accurate facts in the correct context.

10. The Minister did in-fact discontinue1 the planned 'Logan Renewal Initiative' ("LRI"). The LRI was a project with an $800 million project spend. The LRI would have delivered 2600 new public housing places.2

11. The Minister merely debates the issue rather than outline the substance of any meaningful allegation of purported misleading comments. It is trite to say the government will build new public houses, but they will not be the 2600 homes that would have been delivered by the LRI.

12. I respectfully submit the first statement is not in breach of standing order 266(2).

STATEMENT TWO

In scrapping the Logan Initiative the Minister bowed to union pressure while 1090 people on the housing wait-list in the Logan council area go without - with 620 of these people having already waited more than a year

13. With respect to the Minister's carefully crafted statements, he does not deny that he was influenced by the Unions in cancelling the LRI. It is for the Minister to establish his allegation that the second statement is misleading pursuant to earlier Speakers' rulings.

1 http://statements.gld.gov.au/Statement/2016/7/20/new-thlnklng-for-logan-housing 2 http://www.logan.gld.gov.au/communitv-support/city-of-cholce/news-and-achlevements/cltv-of-cholce­news/logan-renewal-lnltiative-set -to-deliver-a-brighter-future

3

14. The Minister points to one question without notice in relation to one union, but discloses multiple meetings with multiple union representatives between December 2015 and the cancellation of the LRI. 3 It should be noted the Minister did refer to potential job losses arising from the LRI as a factor in his decision to cancel the project.4

15. On the basis of the information available, the second statement does not appear to be misleading. Accordingly on the basis of material presented in the Minister's complaint, no breach of standing order 266(2) arises.

STATEMENT3

Scrapped the use of Non-Government Organisations and community groups to manage social housing - creating employment uncertainty for those employed in the sector

16. The Minister's letter is directly at odds with his decision to cancel the LRI. He has given exactly the instruction to the Logan City Community Housing organisation that the government will not proceed with NGO-management of government­owned social housing.

17. Statement three flows from the decision to cancel the LRI and is premised on the Minister's statements to the house. The Minister had clearly stated that his view of the LRI was that it represented "privatisation" of social housing and that the role of government was to deliver these services.5

18. In relation to the second portion of the statement, the uncertainty for employees who were to be involved in the LRI is very real.6 The head of the Logan City Community Housing project, Jude Munro, Mayor of Logan and Tenant Champions' have expressed their view that the decision was poorly considered and poorly communicated. 7

19. To conclude on this statement, the Minister has proffered political debate on this statement, but no evidence the statement is in-fact incorrect. Accordingly standing order 266(2) is not breached by this statement.

STATEMENT4

Cancelled the LNP's successful "three-strikes" policy to tackle anti-social behaviour and curb illegal activity in = more damage and higher costs

3 For instance, one meeting on 2 March 2016 with representatives for the ACTU and QCU; and 27 April 2016 with representatives of the QCU, CFMEU, ETU, Plumbers Union, and AMWU. 4 Hansard, Page 2880. 5 Hansard, Page 2879. 6 http://www.couriermall.com.au/news/gueensland/companies-behind-logan-renewal-lnltl ative-last-ones-to­know-lt-was-dumped/news-storv/a66b9b634c4a5bb8983945cbab872925 7 http://Jibrary.parliament.q ld.gov.au/Documents/Files/2016/NEWS/20160901 145332.htm

4

20. Statement four relates to the Minister's press release of 23 December 20158

which outlined the change in policy from the fonner government's "three strikes policy" to a new policy titled "Fair expectations of behaviour." The evidence for the statement is contained in the Minister's press release dated 11 November 2016.9

21 . From the first six months of the "Fair expectations of behaviour" policy, it can be seen that the number of warnings issued to tenants has increased from 507 to 800 and the number of "Notice to Remedy Breaches relating to behaviour" increased from 976 to 1013.

22. The Minister's press release omits that under the "three strikes" policy, the first warning was accompanied with a management plan. Such early intervention resulted in less further warnings as is evidenced by the Minister's own data.

23. The Minister refers to question on notice number 1784 as evidence for his debate of this point; with respect to the Minister, he overlooks the cause and effect nature of the "three strikes' policy evicting troublesome tenants in 2013-14 means a reduction in damage and thus the cost of repairs in 2014-15.

24. In any event, the Minister does not attempt to argue that the "three strikes" policy was not successful, he merely attempts to debate that his policy was more successful. This is insufficient to support a claim that the statement was misleading.

25. As shown statement 4 is not misleading and therefore not in breach of standing order 266(2).

STATEMENT 5 - USE OF COURIER MAIL HEADLINE DATED 23 APRIL 2016

26. The Minister admits the accuracy of the headline and correctly identifies its source. The Minister takes issue not with the headline itself but the underlying article. With respect this is a distraction from the purpose of the report. By reporting on the actions of the Minister it is relevant to point out that during the year the Courier Mail reported a view that the Minister should be sacked.

27. It should also be noted that the headline is an opinion, not a report that can be considered to be misleading. The author of the report, Mr Des Houghton, is expressing his view that the Minister should step down while accusations of improper conduct investigated. Such a view is not improper or extraordinary.

28. It is correct to report that such a view was expressed and that the Minister did not step aside while the allegations by the Member for Cairns were investigated.

29. Accordingly the use of the headline is not misleading in and of itself and therefore standing order 266(2) is not breached by its use.

8 http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2015/12/23/fairer-approach-to-houslng-putting-people-first 9 http://statements.gld.gov.au/Statement/2016/11/11/hands-on-approach-to-public-housing-behaviour-ls­working

5

CONCLUSION

30. Having addressed each of the statements and matters referred to by the Minister, no statement can be shown to be misleading and meeting the threshold required for this matter to be referred to the ethics committee.

31. I further respectfully suggest that the Minister should be advised to raise matters of debate in the house and such frivolous complaints should not be dealt with by referral to the speaker.

6

17Aug2016 Questions Without Notice 2881

Mr de BRENNI: It has been my responsibility to lead an intensive communications strategy with the community of Logan since the decision was made by this government. We have notified all key stakeholders, including the Logan City Council. In fact, the mayor of the Logan City Council was the first person who we made a call to to advise of our decision. We then called the Logan City of Choice leadership team. I contacted members of parliament who represent the area of Logan. I contacted the Logan Chamber of Commerce, other state and federal government agencies and local community housing providers. Overall , those conversations, including the ones this morning, were positive.

Major Events

Mr FURNER: My question is to the Premier. What benefits are major events delivering for businesses across Queensland?

Ms PALASZCZUK: I thank the member for Ferny Grove for that very important question, because my government is firmly focused on securing not just national events but international events to Queensland because we know that, if we attract those events to our shores, to our regional cities, it means jobs-jobs for the tourism industry, jobs for small business and jobs for Queenslanders no matter where they live.

I want to thank the minister, Kate Jones, and also the Treasurer for working extremely hard over the past 18 months to secure a number of significant events to our shores. I want to run through some of those with the members of this House today and share with them the good news for Queensland. In terms of major events, the government has secured the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens from 2017 to 2020; the Rugby League World Cup pool games in Cairns and Townsville, a semifinal and then a final in Brisbane in 2017; the ITU World Triathlon Series grand final and age group world championships on the Gold Coast in 2018; the World Bowls championships on the Gold Coast in 2020; and the World Science Festival from 2016 to 2018 in Brisbane-and. of course, everyone knows that when we had it th is year it was the first time that the World Science Festival had been held outside of New York. Brisbane secured that from the rest of the world. In addition, TEO has renewed a number of key events over the past 18 months, including the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville from 2015 to 2017. Of course, who does not love the V8 supercars, with the Castrol Gold Coast 600 and the Castrol EDGE Townsville 400 from 2015 to 2019!

We also know that everyone has been glued to their sets watching the Rio Olympics. Of course, we have our own games coming up very shortly and that is the Commonwealth Games. Those games will deliver for Queensland 6,600 athletes and team officials, 15,000 friendly volunteers, 71 nations and territories, 18 sports and seven parasports, 18 world-class competition venues and a television audience of 1.5 billion. The games will be hosted on the Gold Coast with events in Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns and will deliver an estimated $2 billion economic injection into the local economy and generate up to 30,000 full-time jobs.

Finally, I advise the House that the Minister for the Commonwealth Games, the Minister for Tourism, Kate Jones, and I were able to announce that officials of the lnvictus Games have been out here in Queensland scouting around the Gold Coast. From all reports I have been advised that they have been very impressed. We are going to battle New South Wales in this state of origin to get the lnvictus Games here in Queensland.

(Time expired)

Logan Renewal Initiative

Mr BENNETT: My question is to the Minister for Housing and Public Works I refer the minister to the tabled letter from Aunty Betty where she says that the Queensland government has been condescending and disingenuous in relation to the Logan Renewal Initiative. I ask : does the min ister agree with Aunty Betty that he has been condescending and disingenuous?

Mr de BRENNI: I remind those opposite that the portfolio is Housing and Public Works. They seem to put the 'Housing' last time and time again

Mr Bennett: Thanks for the lesson.

Mr de BRENNI: I will give the member some more lessons. Quite simply, the answer to the question is that we have the highest respect for every individual living in public housing in Queensland. That is in stark contrast to those opposite. I am more than happy to sit down and have a conversation with any tenant of ours at any time.

2880 Questions Without Notice 17 Aug 2016

Mr SPEAKER: Pause the clock. Member for Maroochydore, you are warned under standing order 253A. If you persist, I will take the appropriate action.

Mr de BRENN!: As I was saying , this government has a longstanding relationship with maintenance contractors in Logan that employ people on real jobs and real wages, and those arrangements will continue.

Northern Oil, Advanced Biofuels Pilot Plant

Mr BUTCHER: My question is directed to the Premier. I refer to the Premier's announcement about the agreement on biofuels with the US Navy today, and I ask: what is the progress being made on the Northern Oil advanced biofuels pilot plant in Gladstone?

Ms PALASZCZUK: I thank the member for Gladstone for the question and I know how much he supports that historic signing of the agreement between the government and the US Navy because of what it means for Gladstone and regional economies up and down the state. I have advised the House in the past that Southern Oil has been poached from New South Wales and is now operating in Queensland. Today l can also advise the House that it wants to change its name to Northern Oil. It moved from down south to up here and it wants to effect a name change so it can fit better into Queensland. I can also advise the House that the Minister for Environment has confirmed a comprehensive environmental authority for the Northern Oil advanced pilot plant in Gladstone has now been approved. With an investment of $16 million , this pilot plant aims to produce one million litres of fuel for use in field trials by the US Navy and the Royal Australian Navy. It will also supply other customers in the road transport industry and the aviation sector. It is happening It has moved here. The environmental authority has been ticked off and work can begin.

Once the biofuel is accepted by the US Navy and our own Navy, it is envisaged that this will open the door for the pilot plant to be followed by a $150 million commercial scale biofuel refinery which could produce up to 200 million litres of advanced biofuels every year. In the case of Northern Oil. the company will make use of waste from sugar cane, green organic waste from regional cities. woody weeds like prickly acacia and other wastes such as tyres from the mining sector, heavy transport and passenger vehicles. If the Northern Oil advanced biofuels pilot plant succeeds in its plan to establish a full commercial scale biofuels refinery at Gladstone, the benefits will not be limited to that city, and that is the exciting part of th is announcement. When we went up there and visited-the Minister for State Development and the member for Gladstone came as well-Northern Oil identified 12 other regional spots across Queensland that could benefit from biofuels and the 12 areas include Mount Isa, Hughenden, Cairns, Tully, Ingham, Townsville. Ayr, Mackay, Clermont, Rockhampton, Bundaberg and Toowoomba. As members can see, this is an industry that would have a huge and lasting impact across regional Queensland. I want to join with all members of my government in thanking the US Navy for coming here today. It is indeed a deep honour to have the Deputy Under Secretary fly out from the Pentagon to be with us and he has advised me that he intends to return-

(Time expired)

Minister for Housing and Public Works

Mrs FRECKLINGTON: My question without notice is to the Minister for Housing and Public Works. Today the minister told a Logan housing initiative open forum that he does not need to explain the decisions of government to anyone and refused to do so. How does this meet the charter letter requirements to ensure integrity, accountability and consultation to underpin everything the minister does?

Mr de BRENN!: I thank the member for the question. The charter letter that the Premier gave me also clearly outlined my responsibility to deliver housing to those most in need in Queensland. That is a priority of this government. The expectations the Premier also had of me and everyone else on this side of the House was to protect jobs. There are 40 state government employees who work at the Woodridge Housing Service Centre. Under arrangements agreed to by the former government. staff who did not want to go to work in the private sector would have lost their jobs. There would have been more job cuts. The legacy of that government would have been job cuts after they were in government That is what they thought of people.

Mr Nicholls interjected.

Mr SPEAKER: Pause the clock. Leader of the Opposition. you will be warned if you continue with your repetitive interjections. I do not want to do that, but I would urge you not to persist with your behaviour.

Companies behind Logan Renewal Initiative last ones to know it was dumped

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COMPANIES involved in what was to be the biggest social housing renewal

program in Australia were told it was being scrapped just hours before the State

Government publicly announced the move.

The two not-for-profit companies delivering the $800m Logan Renewal Initiative were only

told Housing Minister Mick de Brenni was dumping the scheme six hours before he

announced it at an estimates hearing less than a fortnight ago.

The decision has been widely criticised but both Compass Housing Services and BlueCHP

declined to comment due to confidentiality agreements with the Department of Housing and

Public Works from 2014 onwards.

The initiative would have provided 2600 new public housing and affordable homes over the

next 20 years, through a public-private partnership, which included the transfer of almost

5000 social housing properties to the not-for-profit sector. It was expected to start within

three to four months.

The building program would have created 420 jobs and injected $800 million into the

economy, at almost no cost to taxpayers. Public servants responsible for managing the

properties were required to transfer to the new operator.

Instead, the State Government will retain control of public housing in the area and has

committed to building 70 new homes over the next three years.

Mr de Brenni has refused to reveal the cost of dumping the scheme.

"Specific costs about the contract are subject to ongoing negotiations and are commercial-in­

confidence," Mr de Brenni said.

"We've been receivi ng very supportive feedback from a wide range of stakeholders and

significant enthusiasm from industry about our redevelopment plans."

But Logan Mayor Luke Smith criticised the decision and claimed there had been no

consultation.

"The council only learned of the decision to scrap this initiative one hour before the

announcement was made by the Minister," Cr Smith said.

"At no time did I offer support for the decision that was being made, and the council remains

disappointed that after three years of work they were not consulted on this course of action."

Property Council deputy executive director Jen Williams said dumping the scheme was

·'particularly disappointing'· given the social benefits it would have created.

Shadow Housing Minister Stephen Bennett said Mr de Brenni 's claims the decision to scrap

the Logan Renewal Initiative was widely supported were '·misleading and cowardly".

Newspaper article from: COURIER MAIL [ C-N59] Date: 01/09/2016 Page: Online

Queensland Government slammed for scrapping $800m Logan Renewal Initiative. Templeton, Anthony

A FORMER leading public servant has criticised the State Government's decision to axe the largest social renewal project in the country.

The Logan Renewal Initiative would have included replacing 1000 houses with 1600 social housing dwellings and 800 affordable homes over 20 years. It would have created at least $650 million in economic activity in the area.

Former Brisbane City Council chief executive Jude Munro has criticised the decision, in a letter to Housing Minister Mick de Brenni, and said it could have damaged the state's reputation.

"To be frank, the feedback from the community housing sector is one of disbelief," she said.

"Stories abounded (at a recent meeting) about how mainstream businesses have relocated to Logan, employees have left jobs to join the new agency, and social enterprises have started to gear up in anticipation of the roll out of the Logan Renewal Initiative."

Ms Munro, who has an independent leadership role with Logan City Council, said the area's 4800 public housing homes were "run down" and highly concentrated in 10 suburbs.

"In other words, they do not meet the needs oflocal tenants, which have dramatically changed since the stock was first built in the 1970s," she said.

The Opposition tabled the letter in Parliament today, and attacked Mr de Brenni over the decision to scrap the renewal initiative.

Mr de Brenni said the decision to scrap the renewal initiative ensured local maintenance contractors would continue to secure work by keeping the social housing stock in government management.

"They are real jobs in that community," he said.

The Logan Renewal Initiative included moving the management of about 4800 social housing homes to the not-for-profit sector.

Mr de Brenni said a new "precinct-by-precinct" approach to building new social housing homes would be delivered throughout Queensland.

"The LNP has a miserable record when it comes to the way it treats people in social housing," he said.

The State Government has announced a $100 million public housing building program this financial year. It is expected to deliver 400 new homes across Queensland.

Copyright Provision: Copy recorded by the Queensland Parliamentary Library and Research Services for use by Parliamentarians only.

Disclaimer: No responsibility is taken for any transmission errors.

Fairer approach to housing putting people first - The Queensland Cabinet and Minister.. . Page I of I

Queensland Government

Media release Minister for Housing and Public Works

The Honourable Mick de Brenni

Fairer approach to housing putting people first

The Palaszczuk Government has announced a new approach to providing a fa irer social housing service to the

state's most vulnerable tenants.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said changes introduced by the former LNP Government

were unfair and preyed on some of the state's hardest hit families.

"Queenslanders went to the polls in January 2015 and rejected the former government's callous policies that put

many families on the street, " Mr de Brenni said.

"The new policies will provide support and respect vulnerable Queenslanders, rather than only taking measures

that could lead to eviction.

"Under the new Fair Expectations of Behaviour Policy, we will intervene early to investigate a complaint, counsel

tenants and refer them to support services.

"We will continue to take immediate steps to evict anyone found to be undertaking criminal activities, or who

consistently fai l to meet behaviour standards .

"The vast majority of public housing tenants are decent, law-abiding people. and the department will continue to

closely monitor the remaining individuals who require ongoing management. "

Minister de Brenni said tenants could now go away for up to eight weeks a year without having to offer a reason

under changes to the new Fair Absence from Your Home Policy.

"The previous policy required tenants to explain why they were leaving their homes, and absences were capped at

no more than four weeks a year." he said.

"This policy recognises that people may need to leave their homes for unexpected reasons. The change is

respectful of people's needs and allows government resources to be used more efficiently ."

Minister de Brenni said a number of other policies were being revised including those which covered rent and

eligibility, and the process for listing for social housing.

"Early next year. we will be seeking public feedback on a discussion paper the department is developing. a new

10-year Housing Strategy for Queensland ," he said .

To find out more visit www.qld.qov.au/housing/pubhc-community-housing/ ( http://www.qld.gov.au/housing/public­

community-housing/ ).

ENDS

Media: 0406 544 142

http://statements.qld .gov.au/Statement/2015/ 12/23/ fairer-approach-to-housing-putting-... 9/02/2017

Hands on approach to public housing behaviour is working - The Queensland Cabinet ... Page I of 2

Queensland Government

Media release Minister for Housing and Public Works The Honourable Mick de Brenni

Hands on approach to public housing behaviour is working

New data from the Department of Housing and Public Works shows that the Palaszczuk Government's hands on

approach to managing public housing tenant behaviour is working.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni MP said that following the implementation of the new

Fairness Charter in December 2015, Housing Service Centre staff have been given the tools to proactively help

tenants improve their behaviour.

"One of the key tools we have given our hard working staff is the Fair Expectations of Behaviour policy.

·over the first six months of the new policy. our staff have commenced 475 Tenancy Management Plans for

tenants and 91 Acceptable Behaviour Agreements.

"We have also issued 800 warnings for less serious behaviour breaches as a preventative step to avoid issues

escalating.

"We have issued 1013 Notice to Remedy Breaches for more serious tenancy matters ."

Mr de Brenni said the Government's Fair Expectations of Behaviour Policy was in stark contrast to the LNP's

three-strike stunt.

"Tim Mander loved to talk tough on tenant behaviour but his policy was nothing more than a stunt and a slogan.

"You can't change behaviours unless you give people the tools to change.

"The Department has actively intervened in behaviour matters over 2300 hundred times in the last six months to

improve behaviour.

"Our approach is about setting clear responsibilities and expectations for behaviour and providing people with

support to fulfi l their responsibilities.·

First six months of Fair Expectations of Behaviour v "Three Strikes"

Fair Expectations of Behaviour policy Anti-social Behaviour Management policy ("Three

Strikes")

01/02/2016. 31/08/2016 01/02/2014 - 31/08/2014

METRO REGIONAL TOTAL METRO REGIONAL TOTAL

Warning 175 625 800 Warning 168 339 507

http://statements.qld .gov.au/Statement/2016/1 1 /11 /hands-on-approach-to-public-housin.. . 9/02/2017

Hands on approach to publi c housing behaviour is work ing - The Queensland Cabinet ...

Acceptable 27 64

Behaviour

Agreement

Tenancy 328 147

Management Plan

Notice to Remedy Breaches relating to

behaviour

Evictions due to

behaviour

[ENDS] 11 November, 2016

Media contact: Tristan Douglas 044 7 164 197

91

475

101 3

38

Acceptable 44 53

Behaviour

Agreement

Tenancy 0 0 Management Plan

Notice to Remedy Breaches relating to

behaviour

Evictions due to

behaviour

39

Page 2of 2

97

0

976

http://statements.q ld.gov.au!Sta tement/2016/1 1/l l /hands-on-approach-to-public-housin... 9/02/201 7

REPORT CARD:

X Ripped-up the $800 m1lhon Logan Housing Renewal ln1t1at1ve - denying Logan residents 2600 new public housing , affordable homes

){ In scrapping the Logan Init iative the Minister bowed to union pressure while 1090 people on the housing wa1t -l1st in the Logan council area go without - with 620 of these people having already waited more than a year

De Brenni should step down

CouriH ;\\ail ! .\ \pr 2016

X Scrapped the use of Non-Government Organisations and community groups to manage social housing - creating employment uncertaint y for those employed in the sector

X Cancelled the LNP's successful " three·stnkes" policy to tackle ant1 -soc1a1 behaviour and curb illegal act1v1ty rn = more damage and higher costs

)( Still has over 15.000 people on the waiting list for public housrng across the State

)( Scaremongering and talking down the Great Barrier Reef · puttrng Green preferences ahead of tourism 1obs

)( Publicly supported a Queensland Carbon Tax which would increase electricity prices and cost Oueenslanders 1obs

Minister accused of goat cull "cover up"

)( Introduced duplicate approval processes on advanced mrn1ng proiects -threatenrng hundreds of iobs across regional Queensland

)( Pushed for the introduction of unfair vegetation management laws 111 an attempt to secure Green preferences in order to save his own 1ob

J( Approved and then overturned the use of wild dogs to manage feral goat populations

)! As Mrn1ster for Environment Miles has admitted to granting 220 mining approvals - 1ncludrng a total o f 30 coal mines - 16 of those being new coal m ines

li1"nMillt llulfrtin 16 ·''" Wiil