Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-09-23 Daily Xml

Contents

HOUSING SA

The Hon. R.L. BROKENSHIRE (15:35): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government, representing the Minister for Housing, a question about Housing SA.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.L. BROKENSHIRE: I have been working with a constituent, Mr Brian Atkinson of Mansfield Park, for several months now. Mr Atkinson has continually raised issues regarding the management of Housing SA, disruptive tenants and the lack of protection for many Housing Trust tenants in his area.

As an advocate, he has been actively out there raising concerns and issues but is now very concerned that (1) he has received a formal warning from the Housing SA regional manager at The Parks office; and (2) he has been advised by a local councillor that Housing SA has been interviewing tenants well away from his own residence and neighbourhood, asking whether they have been asked to sign a petition.

His concerns are very common at the moment, with Housing SA possibly attacking those who are advocating for Housing Trust tenants who may not be in a position to fend for themselves. My questions are:

1. Is it a policy of Housing SA to try to intimidate tenants who advocate for a fair go for other tenants?

2. Will the minister look into this situation on behalf of Mr Brian Atkinson at Mansfield Park to ensure that there is no untoward activity by Housing SA in relation to my constituent?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (15:36): I am sure the answer to the first question is no. In relation to the second, I am sure that, if the honourable member provides the details to the minister, she will investigate the matter.