RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (14:51): As a supplementary question: will the minister outline what is the difference between this service and those which already exist through organisations such as Shelter SA and Anglicare?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy) (14:51): As I have already mentioned, this is specifically targeted to assist landlords and tenants to identify problems and deal with issues early in the piece rather than when they actually get into a full-blown dispute. It is about providing a range of services or referrals to services such as those the honourable member has mentioned but also providing a conduit in some respects to ensure that a person who is in trouble and having problems paying their rent is provided with support, information and assistance early in the piece so they are able to fulfil their obligation and meet their responsibilities. It is the same, too, with landlords: often, a lack of information can cause problems. Again, this is a designated service to provide an early response and a conduit to appropriate support and assistance.