World News
Mount Isa council auctions charity homes over unpaid rates
First Nations families face potential eviction, according to reporting by The Guardian.
The short version
- Mount Isa City Council is auctioning 24 homes owned by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Welfare Services to recover nearly $1 million in unpaid rates.[The Guardian]
- Tenants face potential homelessness, with residents stating they were only informed of the multi-year debt five months ago.[The Guardian]
- A spokesperson for the federal Indigenous Australians minister stated the commonwealth could not find a resolution to halt the auctions.[The Guardian]
- Independent senator Lidia Thorpe urged the federal government to purchase the houses at auction under federal acquisition laws.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- Mount Isa City Council is auctioning 24 homes owned by ATSICWS to recover nearly $1 million in unpaid rates accrued over five years.[The Guardian]
- ATSICWS was convicted of 12 breaches of corporate regulations and fined $15,000 in August 2025.[The Guardian]
- A spokesperson for Minister Malarndirri McCarthy stated the federal government could not find a way to stop the auctions.[The Guardian]
- Queensland's housing department stated it had not received requests from the council or ATSICWS to acquire the auction properties.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- Whether any government body will intervene or purchase the homes to prevent resident evictions remains unconfirmed.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.