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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2023-10-18 Daily Xml
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Question Time

Public Housing

Mr TELFER (Flinders) (14:43): My question is to the Minister for Human Services. Has there been an increase in antisocial behaviour in public housing? If so, why? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Mr TELFER:The Advertiser has reported freedom of information data showing that the number of antisocial incidents has increased by 25 per cent in the last financial year.

The Hon. N.F. COOK (Hurtle Vale—Minister for Human Services) (14:44): Thank you for the question, to the member for Flinders. The vast majority of people in public housing live quiet, peaceful lives and create no problems for themselves or for other people. They are good tenants. Many have lived there for decades. We have a small percentage of clients who really need a lot of input and support in their tenancy. We have made no changes to our antisocial behaviour policy, the very same policy and actions that were in place under the previous government. I understand that there has been an increase—

Mr Telfer interjecting:

The Hon. N.F. COOK: Do you want to listen or do you want to just rabbit on?

The SPEAKER: Order! The minister has the call.

The Hon. N.F. COOK: Well, he asked the question and then talks—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Minister, there is no need to respond to interjections.

The Hon. N.F. COOK: As I said, the vast majority of tenants lead very peaceful lives and are not an issue in their communities. Many people are very grateful to have the offer of public housing and, given the number of people who need public housing, that is why we are investing nearly a quarter of a billion dollars extra to the building program.

What we saw happen under the previous government—I will provide just for context—was a year-on-year cut of $20 million to the budget, culminating in a loss of nearly 200 staff over the four-year period of the Liberal government—in the previous four years. We have been working really hard with Housing SA to look at different ways that we can support tenants who have challenges and do need extra support.

The FOI, I understand, talked about data over a period of about 10 years. I understand there was an increase in the year that is being talked about but, to reassure the member, there has been no policy change in how antisocial behaviour is managed. I think people know that the Labor government is here to listen. We are responding when issues are presented to us, and you would be well aware because when you have contacted me I have contacted you straight back. When you have done it, when you have done it, and when you have done it, I have contacted you straight back and we act as soon as we possibly can.

I visit homes with other members, as I am going to do with another member over there in there in the next few weeks, to try to support the work that is being done. I accept that there has been an increase in the number of reports, but I also know that there are changes and investments being made into public housing, not just the asset but the people who are working there, in order to provide a service to the community.

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