Housing trust property left to rot while SA families fight for a home

Nat Cook has come under fire as a shocking video emerges of an abandoned housing trust home, while SA families fight for shelter amid the housing crisis.

As South Australians continue to battle through the housing crisis, an empty housing trust home has been left to rot, shocking footage has revealed.

The video of a Fulham property provided to the state Liberals revealed rubbish and dog food strewn throughout the home, power points ripped out of the walls, windows smashed, and drug paraphernalia left lying around the kitchen.

The state of the unit was raised with Human Services Minister Nat Cook’s office five months ago, the state Liberals claim.

Disgruntled neighbours told the opposition they were ignored by the state government and are now fearful the property could be a target for squatters.

Ms Cook said the home was currently still occupied by a tenant, however, they have currently vacated the property for reasons too “inappropriate” for her to reveal.

Neighbours, including a 60-year-old woman who has chosen not to be named, have joined a chorus of local residents who are fed up with the state of the property.

“It’s just sad, because we hear about all these families who are almost homeless but the person who is given the home treats it like this,” she said.

“I have heard people in there overnight going through his things.

“It is such a fire hazard as well. It just makes you scared in your own home.”

An empty housing trust home in Fulham has been left to rot.

The video provided to the state Liberals revealed rubbish and dog food strewn throughout the home, power points ripped out of the walls, windows smashed, and drug paraphernalia in the kitchen.

Gary, 65, has lived on the street since 1991 and said he had never had problems until the most recent tenant moved in about three years ago.

“We created a petition to have the tenant removed and sent it to housing trust but nothing happened,” he said.

The 65-year-old said the tenant was finally removed after he allegedly attempted to remove his ankle bracelet and remains in police custody.

“Since he has been gone they have done nothing,” he said.

“The RSPCA came to look after his dogs and eventually took them.

“But housing trust just keeps saying there is too much red tape, even though they are receiving complaints from the whole neighbourhood.”

Opposition minister for Social and Community Housing Michelle Lensink said the video makes for uncomfortable viewing, especially when so many South Australian families are crying out for housing assistance.

“It’s shameful that in the middle of a housing crisis pleas to fix up a property that is in such a poor state are being ignored,” Ms Lensink said.

“Our housing crisis is getting worse, so I can only imagine the heartbreak of those who so desperately want a roof over their head seeing a housing trust property like this one going to wrack and ruin.

“I also feel sorry for neighbours who are being forced to live next door to such a mess, who are now afraid this property will be a target for squatters and vandals.”

Shocking trust house at Fulham that has been in squalor for 5 months. Residents have been hounding Nat Cook over that time with no action. Picture Supplied

Shocking trust house at Fulham that has been in squalor for 5 months. Residents have been hounding Nat Cook over that time with no action. Picture Supplied

“Nat Cook’s office was made aware of anti-social behaviour at this property five months ago, so the situation should never have reached this point.

“This property needs to be cleaned up as a matter of urgency, so that other residents in the complex can feel safe and that this house can be made liveable for a deserving tenant.”

Ms Cook confirmed her office was notified of the anti-social behaviour at the property “several months ago” and said the Housing Authority “put in place action with the tenant”.

“There is a process where everybody’s rights need to be taken into account and that can take some time,” she said.

“The Housing Authority did offer support and formal warning processes was initiated.

“What an awful situation to live in and not be able to navigate your way out of.

“We need to do better than that.”

Ms Cook said the Fulham home is one of “dozens of legacy issues” Labor inherited from the previous Liberal government.

“We came into government in March and it is fair to say there are dozens of legacy issues with properties across South Australia which are leftovers from the lack of action taken by the Liberal government,” she said.