Question Time

Homelessness

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:19): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Human Services regarding homelessness.

Leave granted.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: The opposition has been contacted by a woman aged around 70 who is living with a disability and who has been a public housing tenant for decades. The minister's agency is well aware of her circumstances and the woman informs us that she has also spoken with the minister's office.

In mid-2020, a SACAT eviction order ended her ongoing tenancy agreement due to property condition issues, such as clutter in the home. A short-term lease was granted to provide time to find another home, but SACAT set a new eviction date effective around two weeks ago. The tenant says she now spends every day waiting in panic for bailiffs to throw her onto the street with nothing but the clothes on her back.

When talking with staff yesterday, the woman was in constant tears. The minister has spoken repeatedly about the issue of homelessness for older single women, let alone those who are also on very low incomes and experience health and disability issues. My question to the minister is: why are you allowing an older single woman to be evicted into potential homelessness?

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (14:20): I thank the honourable member for his question. Of course, we do have to always go behind the allegations the Labor Party comes in here and makes, as we have seen time and time demonstrated by the Labor Party. Sometimes their stories—

The Hon. K.J. Maher interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: If the opposition want to get the answer, then please let the minister speak and then you will have a further opportunity on this matter, if you wish. The minister has the call.

The Hon. S.G. Wade: Is 20 more than 3?

The PRESIDENT: And the minister's colleagues on the front bench aren't helping either, so the minister will continue.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: Sometimes their stories have been fabricated, sometimes in entirety and sometimes by a significant amount.

The Hon. K.J. Maher interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: I would be more than happy to look at the particular case of this particular individual. I don't know every detail of every person who contacts my office. Certainly, in terms of correspondence or anyone who has contacted me directly, I make sure that I know about those details.

Can I say in general terms in relation to SACAT matters, the reason for referring matters to SACAT isn't always for evictions. Tenants do sign a lease agreement when they enter public housing and there are times when the conditions of the lease agreement need to be taken to SACAT to enforce matters. Sometimes there are works to be done on people's properties and they won't actually allow the maintenance people to inspect the homes. That's another reason why matters are sometimes taken to SACAT.

I am obviously more than happy to look into the individual circumstances of this case, if the Labor Party is genuine about what they are saying, and see what we can do.