As homelessness continues to rise across the Gold Coast, individuals like Luke Quinn, 36, find themselves increasingly vulnerable to local council actions targeting those without shelter. Despite the hardships, Quinn clings to the hope of one day reuniting with his daughter, but first, he needs a stable place to call home. In a troubling turn of events, recent discussions among Gold Coast councillors indicate an impending expansion of rangers’ patrols aimed at removing individuals from state-owned land—a move that advocates warn could further entrench the cycle of homelessness.
The Battle for Safe Spaces
Quinn’s experience is all too common in a city that has implemented an “enforcement-led” policy towards homelessness, which he describes as a relentless game of cat and mouse.
“I try to stay out of sight to avoid the rangers,” he shared. “They can swoop in without any warning, taking my tent and everything I’ve got. It feels like there’s no effort to help us improve our situation; instead, they just push us out.”
Over the past six years, Quinn estimates he has been relocated by local authorities up to eight times. The Gold Coast’s approach stands in stark contrast to neighbouring councils, such as Ipswich and Logan, which have opted for welfare-based strategies to provide support rather than enforcement.
A Shift Towards Compliance
Recent negotiations between the Gold Coast council and the state’s transport department suggest a troubling pivot towards stricter enforcement. The council is reportedly looking to implement a “100% cost recovery model” for these expanded patrols, which would predominantly focus on compliance rather than outreach or welfare services.
Matthew Werner, the council’s public safety compliance manager, clarified, “This is strictly a compliance conversation, so it’s not about outreach or housing pathways. It’s about ensuring compliance with local laws concerning illegal camping.”
While city officials claim the intention is to respond to community complaints regarding anti-social behaviour, critics argue that this approach fails to address the underlying issues of homelessness and perpetuates a cycle of exclusion and punishment.
The Reality of Homelessness Policies
Homelessness experts have voiced concerns that recent changes in state policy have effectively stripped many individuals of their eligibility for housing assistance. Cameron Parsell, a professor of social sciences at the University of Queensland, highlighted the damaging consequences of a “three-strikes” policy that penalises individuals for behaviours often associated with their homelessness, such as mental health issues or substance abuse.
“Instead of resolving the underlying challenges, the government is pushing people into a corner,” Parsell noted. “The system is failing those who need it most, leaving them with nowhere to go. They are caught in a paradox—banished from both indoor and outdoor living spaces.”
The impact of this punitive approach is evident. In February, numerous individuals were forcibly removed from Brisbane’s Musgrave Park, with only a small fraction qualifying for social housing or temporary accommodation. The rest faced a bleak choice: return to the streets or remain outside the bounds of the law.
The Call for Accountability and Solutions
Advocates like Dianne Kozik, General Manager of St John’s Crisis Centre, are calling for the government to take responsibility and provide clear pathways for those displaced by enforcement measures. “If people are moved on, the government must communicate what alternatives exist for them,” she argued. “They are not just statistics; they are human beings deserving of dignity and a place to live.”
Housing Minister Sam O’Connor has been approached for comments on these pressing issues, but with nearly 59,000 individuals on Queensland’s social housing waiting list, the urgency for reform is palpable.
Why it Matters
The ongoing struggle to address homelessness on the Gold Coast reflects a broader national crisis, revealing how punitive policies can exacerbate the plight of vulnerable populations. As local councils increasingly prioritise enforcement over empathy, the most marginalised members of society are left with fewer options and less support. This situation not only raises ethical questions about the treatment of the homeless but also demands urgent attention from policymakers to create sustainable, humane solutions that prioritise rehabilitation over punishment. The community must advocate for a compassionate response that acknowledges the humanity of every individual, ensuring that no one is left to fend for themselves in the shadows.
