4 June 2024
The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (15:29): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question without notice to the minister representing the Minister for Planning on the topic of public housing.
Leave granted.
The Hon. R.A. SIMMS: Today, the ABC reported that more than 300 public housing residents at Seaton will be forced to move out of their homes during demolition and construction of new houses and townhouses as part of plans to redevelop the area. In Victoria earlier this year, public housing residents filed a class action against the Victorian Labor government over their plans to knock down and redevelop their homes. One of the residents involved in the Victorian class action said the process had:
…taken an emotional and physical toll on me and my community... We are still being kept in the dark. The government keeps telling public housing residents that they have plans, but they still haven't told us what the plans are. I don't know where I am going to be living or where I might end up, and the government isn't giving us the information we need to make decisions.
My questions to the Minister for Planning, therefore, are:
1. How does the government intend to accommodate public housing residents who are being forced out of their homes when housing vacancies are at a record low?
2. What is the government doing to support these people through the transition?
3. Can it assure the people of South Australia that it will not repeat the mistakes that have been made by the Victorian Labor government?
The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:31): I thank the honourable member for his questions. I will refer those to the minister in the other place and bring back a response.
27 August 2024
In reply to the Hon. R.A. SIMMS (4 June 2024).
The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries): The Minister for Housing and Urban Development has advised:
The South Australian Housing Trust has a clear plan for the staged relocation of tenants within the Seaton redevelopment.
All tenants in the area have been written to, including those in the first stages of relocations, those that will move in future stages, and also a small group of tenants that are not required to move.
The South Australian Housing Trust has an extensive history and established policy, procedures and staff that cover relocation activities.
The tenants in the first stages of relocations will be contacted via phone to discuss their relocation and:
- the timeline for the relocation
- why they need to relocate
- explain the relocation process
- what support can be provided–including phone, gas and electricity connection fees, mail redirection for three months and reasonable moving costs
- tenant housing needs and preferences
- reasonable reimbursement of property improvements made by tenants
- any other questions or concerns.
As part of their tenancy agreement, the South Australian Housing Trust has the ability to relocate people in the circumstances of redevelopment.
Staff will work with tenants on a one to one basis to find a new public housing home that meets their needs.
The government appreciates the importance of tenants' existing property and understand that moving home can be a big change. For some tenants it is a real opportunity to move into better accommodation while others might feel anxious and worried.
The South Australian Housing Trust will support tenants and have established additional support services available in this situation.
Tenants can call 1300 918 814 for more information.
In the specific case of Seaton, the age and condition of the properties is impacting tenants as the property is no longer suitable for them.
The local staff have received a number of transfer requests from existing tenants, so for some, relocations will be a positive opportunity that better meets their housing needs.