The planned eviction of a disability pensioner from public housing was defeated — at least for now — on June 17 by a vibrant and determined protest action.
Apart from Greens support, the South East Queensland Union of Renters (SEQUR) and the Brisbane Renters Alliance also backed the action. It was called by Queensland Greens MP Michael Berkman, in defence of one of his constituents, and was attended by newly-elected federal Greens MPs.
The front yard was packed and the crowd spilled out on to the footpath. Greens councillor Jonathan Sri was one of several people who locked on to the property in an attempt to stop the eviction.
"I'm asking [Labor housing minister] Leeanne Enoch and [Premier] Annastacia Palaszczuk to call off the police and let [public housing tenant] David stay in his home," Berkman said in a Facebook post.
"Evicting a disability pensioner into homelessness or insecure crisis accommodation is wrong. He's a peaceful person being kicked out for having a messy yard."
Police were scheduled to execute the eviction warrant at 10am. Instead they stood back in the face of a large and determined crowd.
At the same time, David was in the Supreme Court arguing to have the eviction notice overturned.
Shortly after midday, police and the government had backed down and agreed not to execute the eviction warrant.
Another protest will be held on June 20, when there may be another attempt to evict David.
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