Labor Member for Cairns, Michael Healy, has delivered a scathing assessment of the Liberal National Party's handling of the city's escalating social housing crisis, accusing the opposition of failing to deliver a single new social home during their last term in government.
A Legacy of Inaction and Empty Promises
In a powerful speech to the Queensland Parliament, Mr Healy pulled no punches, stating the LNP "had not done a single thing" to address the critical shortage while in power. He contrasted this with the current Labor government's actions, highlighting the recent opening of 12 new social housing units on McCormack Street in Manoora.
"When it comes to social housing in Cairns, the LNP's record is one of breathtaking neglect," Mr Healy declared. He pointed to the previous government's decision to sell off state-owned land in Portsmith, a prime site that could have been used for housing, as a symbol of their misplaced priorities. The land was ultimately acquired by the Cairns Regional Council for a community sports complex.
The Stark Reality of the Shortfall
The scale of the crisis is quantified by shocking figures. Mr Healy revealed that as of the last count, there were 2,592 applications for social housing on the waitlist in Cairns. This number represents individuals and families in desperate need of secure, affordable accommodation, many of whom face years of uncertainty.
This dire situation is not just a statistic; it has real-world consequences. The lack of available social housing places immense pressure on emergency accommodation services and contributes to the growing visibility of homelessness in the city. Community organisations have been stretched to their limits trying to support those left behind by the market.
Contrasting Records: Promises vs. Bricks and Mortar
Michael Healy was keen to draw a clear distinction between the two major parties' approaches. He positioned the LNP as all talk and no action, while championing the tangible progress made under the Labor administration.
"Our government is getting on with the job of delivering," he asserted, citing the McCormack Street development as a concrete example. The 12 new units in Manoora are part of a larger commitment to construct 53 social homes across three separate sites in Cairns, a direct investment aimed at chipping away at the massive waitlist.
The debate underscores a fundamental political divide on housing policy. The Labor government frames the solution through direct investment and construction of public housing. The LNP, now in opposition, has criticised the pace of the government's housing program, arguing for alternative measures to boost supply, though Mr Healy's attack challenges the credibility of their critique given their own track record.
The Human Cost and the Path Forward
Beyond the political sparring, the crisis continues to impact thousands of Cairns residents. The long waitlist means families are living in overcrowded conditions, individuals are couch-surfing, and vulnerable people are at risk. The need for accelerated construction is widely acknowledged by all sides of the political spectrum and by social service agencies.
The opening of the Manoora units is a small but significant step. However, with nearly 2,600 applications outstanding, the demand vastly outstrips the current rate of supply. The community will be watching closely to see if the promised additional 41 homes materialise promptly and if further, larger-scale projects are announced to genuinely tackle this deep-seated issue.
The political battle over housing in Cairns is set to intensify, especially as the next state election draws nearer. Voters will ultimately judge which party they trust to deliver the homes that the city so urgently needs.
