Twitter spat over protests
MPs battle over auction of 37 homes
TWO Queensland MPs and a political candidate have entered into a Twitter spat over the sale of the 37 former Downs Housing Company homes.
Queensland Housing Minister Mick de Brenni, who refused to purchase the homes before they went to auction on Saturday, took aim at Queensland Greens MP Michael Berkman and South Brisbane Greens candidate Amy MacMahon on social media.
Both Greens figures attended the protest on Saturday, as did several Greens party members from Brisbane.
“While (the Department of Housing) works to ensure no one becomes homeless due to actions of privately run Downs Housing, (Amy MacMahon, Michael Berkman and the Queensland Greens) focus on the protest,” Mr de Brenni tweeted.
“Why won’t you speak up about (Scott Morrison’s) $1.6 billion cut from indigenous housing in (Queensland).”
This was instantly refuted by Mr Berkman.
“Mick, as of last Friday we were hearing that your (department) had told elders using wheelchairs whose partners are their carers they weren’t eligible for (social) housing because they earn too much,” Mr Berkman shot back.
“Now you’ve refused to purchase the homes, at least lay off the politicking.”
Ms MacMahon, who came close to unseating Deputy Premier Jackie Trad at the 2017 election, also weighed in on Mr de Brenni’s tweet.
“Would you say that to the residents we were supporting on the weekend,” Ms MacMahon tweeted. “You have the power to stop these homes being sold out from under residents, and yet you are buck passing yet again. Shameful.”
About 100 people joined the two Greens politicians outside the Picnic Point cafe on Saturday to protest the auction of the 37 former Downs Housing Company homes.
Thirty four of the 37 homes sold for a price range between $150,000 and $315,000.