Housing SA

The Hon. F. PANGALLO (15:02): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before directing a question to the Minister for Human Resources, the Hon. Michelle Lensink, about Housing SA.

Leave granted.

The Hon. F. PANGALLO: Today I was made aware by our hardworking candidate for Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie, of the distressing situation now confronting a disabled constituent in Victor Harbor, which isn't in the spirit of the Disability Inclusion Bill we passed recently. Donna Brook has spina bifida and has lived in a private rental home with her recently deceased partner for the past two years. Housing SA had provided the bond in the joint names of Donna and her late partner Robin. After learning of Robin's passing from cancer in June, Housing SA wrote to Donna, advising her they will not renew the bond in her name only, because they form the view she can no longer afford to pay for the rent, even though Donna is employed.

It needs to be pointed out that the couple spent a considerable amount of time finding a suitable wheelchair accessible property. Their landlord also considered them model tenants who had not defaulted on the rent, and Donna has since maintained the payments on her own and says she can continue to pay it.

However, because of the Housing Trust's decision, wheelchair-bound Donna faces becoming homeless, and at a time when Housing SA is generously wiping off debts for those who—unlike Donna—have consistently defaulted, leaving the authority with uncollected rent payments of $19 million. My question is: how and why is Housing SA determining the financial ability of persons to pay rent when, as in this case, there have not been any defaults or default judgements? Will she direct Housing SA to immediately review and reverse the decision made by Housing SA, to prevent Donna Brook being evicted onto the streets and left homeless?

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (15:04): I thank the honourable member for that particular question. I am more than happy to gather the details that the honourable member can provide to us and look into this situation as a matter of urgency. Can I say that in my ministerial office we receive a number of issues both from members of the public directly and also via members of parliament advocating on their behalf. We do attend to those as quickly and assiduously as possible. On this particular one, particularly given the circumstances of potential homelessness and the circumstances that the honourable member has outlined, I am happy to hit my own personal 'urgent' stamp on that and have that result as soon as possible.