Qld mentally ill at risk from govt policy

A Queensland Mental Health Commission report indicates policies to manage anti-social behaviour could be forcing mentally ill tenants onto the streets.

State policy is forcing Queensland's mentally ill into homelessness, according to disturbing evidence set to be unveiled by the government.

Housing Minister Leeanne Enoch says a report by the Queensland Mental Health Commission indicates the "three strike policy", intended to deal with anti-social behaviour, is forcing the mentally ill onto the streets.

"Yes, we've got to wait for the report to be tabled, but from what I've seen so far, it's raising some serious questions about this issue," Ms Enoch told AAP.

"The report is particularly scathing about this policy."

The previous government introduced the three strikes policy, which automatically evicts public housing tenants who have been warned three times about their behaviour in a 12-month period.

Ms Enoch said the report and other evidence indicate mentally ill tenants are suffering under the policy.

The minister told AAP about a woman with Tourette's syndrome who was given three warnings when she was having issues with her medication and was evicted.

She said while the tenant's behaviour may have been anti-social, a fairer and more compassionate policy that took into account her mental health issues would not have left her homeless.

"I want to ensure we're not disadvantaging people who require some further assistance to maintain their tenancy," Ms Enoch said.

"If we're just applying a blanket policy, we'll find people are toppling into homelessness."

The minister also said increases in homelessness put pressure on other areas like health care.

The report into systemic issues for social housing clients with complex needs is due to be tabled in the parliament next month.


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Source: AAP


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