Public Housing

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (14:31): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Human Services regarding housing.

Leave granted.

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE: Kirsty is a single mum who has appeared repeatedly in the media after being knocked back for hundreds of rental properties, despite having great rental references. The opposition has been advised that the SA Housing Authority has suggested that Kirsty should live in a motel for $250 per night. My question to the minister is: after responding to questions two weeks ago by saying, and I quote, 'It depends on your definition of homelessness,' can the minister explain how Kirsty's situation aligns with her definition of 'homeless'?

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (14:32): I will repeat what I have said many times in relation to individual client matters, that I will not discuss people's personal details. In terms of the general support that the Housing Authority provides, there are a range of support services. We provide support through the private rental system. We also provide emergency accommodation and people can register for our public housing system. So my general advice to any client in that situation is to adhere to the advice of the South Australian Housing Authority in terms of ways to maximise their own opportunities to obtain accommodation. The Housing Authority is there for those people who are unable to access their own according to the criteria.