Public Housing

The Hon. I. PNEVMATIKOS (14:57): My question is to the Minister for Human Services regarding housing:

1. Exactly what assistance did Housing SA provide to Billie, whose story was published in the Sunday Mail this week, after her housemate and landlord were killed in an alleged arson attack and then Billie spent a week in hospital with burns before being discharged into homelessness?

2. Why do none of the 33 actions in the minister's 10-year housing strategy refer to people exiting prison, hospital or other institutions into homelessness?

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (14:58): I thank the honourable member for her question. In relation to this particular case, we think we have internally been able to identify that particular client. The advice from the agency is that there has been support and assistance provided.

In relation to those who exit other institutions, we certainly—I have been asked about hospitals potentially exiting people into homelessness in the past and I have responded previously that the health system is updated to ensure that they know how to contact the relevant services. As far as Corrections is concerned, we do operate within the Housing Authority. I think it might actually be contracted by Corrections, but there are programs under OARS that are contracted to look after people who have been in contact with the correctional system.

The PRESIDENT: Supplementary, the Hon. Ms Pnevmatikos.