Ministerial Statement

Whyalla Social Housing

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON (Ramsay—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (14:01): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON: I am pleased to inform the house that the state government has recently made a commitment to invest $3.4 million to accelerate capital upgrade works to social housing properties in Whyalla. This decision follows the tireless advocacy of the member for Giles. Those households that have been identified to potentially receive additional works will receive a letter of advice shortly. The letter will also advise that a representative from Housing SA's multitrade contractor in Whyalla, Trade Maintenance Direct, will be in contact with the tenant to arrange an assessment of their home.

In addition, Housing SA has worked to identify tenants whose homes may require modification, and a communication process is underway to keep these residents informed. It is important to note that Housing SA will also continue to respond to normal maintenance requests from tenants, whose homes are not included in this initiative. This will include not only the recording of maintenance requests but the carrying out of investigations into asset conditions. As part of the stimulus program, Housing SA will be undertaking horticultural works on several smaller group sites.

A review is also being undertaken to identify other properties where a horticulture upgrade could be undertaken. This project will seek to stimulate the employment of both skilled and unskilled labourers in the region, with additional employment opportunities open to residents of Whyalla. The state government also expects to see a number of training opportunities, including apprenticeships, arise as a result of this initiative.

Although the project has just recently commenced operation, I am pleased to say that 15 new jobs have already been created and filled by residents of Whyalla, and 12 of these are full-time positions, including two apprenticeships. The stimulus comprises work that has been brought forward and is in addition to the usual maintenance work. It has been scheduled to ensure that each apprentice has meaningful trade-related tasks across the 18 months of the program.