Social Housing

In reply to the Hon. R.A. SIMMS ().15 November 2023).

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries): The Minister for Human Services has advised:

A media release in late 2023 announced the NSW government would be bringing a maintenance call centre back into public management, replacing the current model of maintenance contractors staffing their own individual call centres. The same announcement confirmed NSW will continue to use external tradespeople to undertake works and pricing for works will use a schedule of rates (SoR).

This will result in a similar model to South Australia that operates a single maintenance call centre to triage, scope and issue work orders while the external contractors undertake works in accordance with a SoR.

With regard building, the South Australian Housing Trust has commissioned tens of thousands of new homes since the first was put out for tender in mid-1937. This work has involved public funds supporting local business and tradespeople to build the homes. In turn, this plays a vital role in the state's economy through local employment, training of apprentices, and the use of local materials where possible.

The government has committed to grow public housing and the SA Housing Authority capital program from June 2022 to June 2026 includes more than 1,000 new homes to replace ageing stock and increase supply. This work is in addition to stopping the planned sale of 580 public housing properties.

The government will continue to consider the best ways to deliver on our commitment to boost social and affordable housing but the establishment of public owned builder is not planned at this time.