Housing SA

In reply to Ms SANDERSON (Adelaide) (28 July 2015). (Estimates Committee B)

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON (Ramsay—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers): I have been advised:

During 2014-15, the combined total of debt that Housing SA had 'waived' or 'written off' was $6,547,229. Of this, $1,200,480 had been 'waived' with $5,346,748 'written-off'.

During 2014-15, Housing SA was able to reinstate $2,259,248.

Debts 'written off' as uneconomical to pursue can be reinstated where it is considered that the person's circumstances have changed. For example, where a debtor is incarcerated and not receiving an income, the debt would be written off. When the debtor is released from incarceration, the debt may be reinstated for recovery.

Debts which have been written off as not legally recoverable, cannot be re-raised. Within government, permanent dismissal of debt is classified as a 'waiver'.

An explanation of 'write-off' and 'waivers' may be found under the Department of Treasury and Finance, Treasurer's Instruction 5, Debt Recovery and Write Offs, parts 5.5.5. and 5.6.6.