Public Servant Accused of Corruptly Granting Social Housing Tenancy to Partner
A 55-year-old public servant has been accused of illegally offering a social housing tenancy to her intimate partner. This alleged act enabled her partner to bypass a significant number of applicants on the waitlist.
She was arrested by the WA Police Financial Crimes Squad at her residence in Clarkson, north Perth, earlier this month. The alleged offense reportedly occurred on September 1 of the previous year at her workplace in Mirrabooka.
The woman faces one charge of 'public officer acts corruptly in performance/discharge of functions' and is scheduled to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Police Emphasize Breach of Public Trust
WA Police Detective Superintendent Peter Foley stated that the alleged crime represents a breach of public trust and the fair process of the public service. He indicated that individuals who misuse their authority, especially in managing housing resources, create an unfair disadvantage for the broader WA community.
"Individuals who misuse their authority, especially in managing housing resources, create an unfair disadvantage for the broader WA community." — WA Police Detective Superintendent Peter Foley
Impact on Social Housing Applicants
Foley highlighted that social housing applicants can wait up to five years, and often include vulnerable individuals, some experiencing homelessness or domestic violence. He affirmed that WA Police take such matters seriously and the Financial Crime Squad is committed to ensuring accountability for those who corruptly perform their duties.
As of December 2025, the average wait time for a social housing home in WA was nearly three years, according to homelessness charity Shelter WA. The waitlist included 23,110 applications, with approximately 8,000 designated as priority applications.