Wayne McGee, a 46-year-old man, has shared his decision to live in a tent in Samford Valley rather than return to a public housing unit in Chermside, where he says he was subjected to a brutal attack.
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According to police documents, on 21 March 2024, another resident allegedly entered Mr McGee’s unit while under the influence of methamphetamines, shackled him to a toilet, and assaulted him over several hours. Mr McGee was allegedly threatened with a knife, told not to report the attack to authorities, and later discovered that several of his belongings had been stolen.
In the aftermath of the assault, Mr McGee expressed deep fear for his safety and chose to live outdoors, refusing to return to the unit.
Following the attack, Queensland Police requested the Department of Housing to urgently relocate Mr McGee, citing concerns about the ongoing threat.
In January 2024, the Department of Housing approved a transfer for Mr McGee. However, as of January 2025, he remains on the waiting list with no clear timeline for when another unit will be available.
Mr McGee has also highlighted his ongoing struggles with living in the public housing complex, describing it as a “living hell.” He reported frequent incidents of theft, abuse, and violence, particularly during the night when drug activity and disturbances were common. Though living in a tent has been challenging, he feels it is safer than returning to the unit.
Paul Slater, a homelessness volunteer and founder of the Northwest Community Group Inc, has been supporting Mr McGee by providing essential supplies and emotional assistance. He emphasised the severe isolation and frustration Mr McGee is experiencing, pointing out the lack of emergency accommodation or substantial support from housing authorities.
Mr Slater has actively contacted government agencies and homelessness support organisations, including mental health outreach teams and crisis response units, to advocate for urgent intervention.
This situation brings attention to the broader issue of Queensland’s social housing crisis, with nearly 48,000 people waiting for accommodation as of December 2024. The challenges faced by vulnerable individuals like Mr McGee reflect ongoing concerns about safety, housing availability, and the adequacy of support for those in need.
Read: Chermside Welcomes 34 New Homes for Seniors and Essential Workers
While Mr McGee’s case is a personal tragedy, it also raises important questions about the capacity of the state’s social housing system to address the needs of its most vulnerable residents and the resources required to ensure safe and stable living conditions for all.
Published 23-January-2025
